The results of the Welsh Assembly had some huge surprises that even the analysts failed to predict; the Welsh Liberal Democrats lost 80% of their seats, Labour lost their majority, and UKIP made major gains so they now have viable voice in Welsh Government. Although voter turnout was only 45.3%, the message sent by those who voted was has been heard loud and clear by those still holding onto power and those who have now been ousted from the Senedd. The result is a split Senedd that is now in the midst of a leadership debate.
Welsh Labour
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Labour had a good week. They won every mayoral election in England including the hotly contested London seat with Sadiq Khan who has become the first Muslim mayor of London. They had a surprise win in Bristol with Marvin Rees becoming mayor, he describes himself as a mixed race son of a single mother. These elected positions demonstrate how the Labour party represents opportunity for those from ordinary and diverse backgrounds, a symbol of change in British politics.
However, Wales is a different country with a different story. Although Labour held onto 29 seats, crucially, they lost one seat, despite losing 7.6% of their constituency votes from the previous election. After nearly two decades in a majority government, they narrowly missed out on another five years in power. However, Carwyn Jones, the leader of Welsh Labour suggested that the result means that they have a “clear mandate” to govern.
Since election night, he has been in talks with the leader of Plaid Cymru, Leanne Wood, and the one remaining Liberal Democrat Assembly member, Kirsty Williams, but is hesitant to mention the C word. Despite the talks, Jones insists that they are not coalition talks but the talks are symbolic of something greater, an opportunity to work together on the issues that really effect Wales.
Plaid Cymru
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Hopeful that they could win a majority, Plaid Cymru were left disappointed that they could only gain one extra seat. However, the one seat they did gain was the best seat they could have won. Leader Leanne Wood managed to gain the majority vote in Rhondda, taking the seat from Labour. This was crucial as it meant that Labour lost their majority and now with 12 seats in the Senedd, Plaid Cymru will have real sway in Assembly policy.
Both Plaid Cymru and Labour won seats for the Police and Crime Commissioner and Elin Jones of Plaid Cymru has been voted as the presiding officer, with a Labour candidate as her deputy. Both posts suggest that Labour and Plaid will have to develop a strong working relationship to achieve change in Wales.
Economic development is a major issue that Plaid and Labour see mainly eye to eye on. This will prove useful when discussing the big upcoming flash points for Welsh politics; the EU referendum next month and the steel crisis, which threatens so many communities and livelihoods. If the two parties work together, they will be able to achieve great advances for Wales’ politically independent position and get a good deal for the Welsh people.
The Welsh Conservatives
Falling from the second to third biggest party in the Assembly, the Welsh Conservatives lost three seats in the election. They now only have 11 Assembly Members to represent their views and speak on behalf of the party. Despite campaigning hard, they failed to win any of their target seats and lost many of their swing seats. Labour has ruled out working with the Conservatives meaning that they will have a marginalised vote and a difficult few years in Welsh Government.
UKIP Wales
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This election symbolised a major win for UKIP, as it is their biggest win in an election, ever. This is the first time they have had an Assembly Member elected and they gained an impressive seven seats. The result exceeded their own predictions of five seats and this election symbolised a turn in the position of the party; they now have a louder voice than the Liberal Democrats and this demands the party to be taken seriously.
However, only days after being elected, infighting within the party has begun. Although Nathan Gill is still head of Welsh UKIP, his leadership was contested and Neil Hamilton has been elected by his other UKIP Assembly Members to lead the party in the Senedd.
The key issue that they were elected on was their promise to deliver a result that benefited the Welsh people in the EU referendum.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats
Former leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Kirsty Williams, was the only candidate to hold onto her seat in the assembly; they lost four seats, the most of any party in this election. Williams has stepped down as leader of the party in Wales as she believes she must take responsibility for their election losses.
However, Labour has been in talks with Williams, so although she may be alone in Senedd, her party potentially has a friend in Labour.
The Green Party and The Women’s Equality Party
Despite their best efforts, The Green Party still failed to gain a seat in the Senedd and newcomers The Women’s Equality Party will have to wait until the next election to gain any representation.
This election signified a change in Welsh Government. Although Labour only had a small loss of one seat, this may well prove significant in the upcoming months and years, especially considering their loss of percentage of voters. Major gains for UKIP, and Plaid Cymru becoming the second largest party in the Assebly, while the other main parties, the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives, faced loses, signals Welsh people using their vote to demand change in the way their country is governed.
words ELOUISE HOBBS