Rhun ap Iorwerth to become Wales' new first minister within days

"In the Senedd vote, which could be as soon as Tuesday, ap Iorwerth needs more votes than any other candidate, rather than a majority of all Members of the Senedd (MSs), to be the winner. Ken Skates, interim Labour leader after Eluned Morgan lost her seat, has indicated that his group will abstain, as will sole Liberal Democrat MS Jane Dodds. But the Green Party, with two MSs, will back ap Iorwerth, meaning he cannot now be blocked."

"Over the weekend, ap Iorwerth said he wanted Plaid Cymru to govern on its own rather than seeking to bring another party or parties into his administration. He said he was seeking cross-party cooperation and wanted support from across the Senedd for his programme. On Sunday, Skates said Labour Senedd members would meet on Monday to formally decide their position, but "the idea of teaming up with Reform is deeply unpleasant for all of the members of my group"."

"Dodds said "we are not going to back any Reform UK first minster", adding: "I am going to abstain if it's Rhun's name that goes forward." The Green Party leader Anthony Slaughter said backing ap Iorwerth was a "no-brainer", as Plaid Cymru has "such a clear mandate" and "we need to send a clear message that it is time for progressive politics in Wales"."

"Reform MS Llyr Powell told BBC Wales that Reform Senedd members would nominate their leader, Dan Thomas, to be first minister. The Conservatives are expected to meet on Monday or early Tuesday to decide the position they will take. Before the vote for first minister can take place, a new Llywydd, or speaker of the Senedd, must be in place, as Plaid MS Elin Jones is stepping down from the p"

Rhun ap Iorwerth is set to be nominated for first minister, with Plaid Cymru and the Green Party indicating support. Labour’s interim leader Ken Skates said Labour Senedd members will abstain, and Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds said she will abstain if ap Iorwerth is the candidate. The Green Party will back ap Iorwerth, preventing him from being blocked. In the Senedd vote, ap Iorwerth must secure more votes than any other candidate rather than a majority of all Members of the Senedd. Plaid aims to govern alone while seeking cross-party cooperation for its programme. Reform plans to nominate its leader, Dan Thomas, and Conservatives are expected to decide their position before the vote. A new Llywydd must be appointed before the first minister vote can occur.

Read at www.bbc.com