Welsh Labour
Welsh Labour governed Wales from devolution in 1999 until its historic 9-seat collapse in May 2026.
On 7 May, Welsh Labour fell from 30 to nine Senedd seats, ending 27 years in Welsh Government.
Last refreshed: 7 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Can Welsh Labour rebuild after ending 27 years of Welsh government with just nine seats?
Timeline for Welsh Labour
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UK Local Elections 2026Background
Welsh Labour is the Welsh branch of the Labour Party and a party represented in the Senedd. It governed Wales continuously from devolution in 1999 until the Senedd election on 7 May 2026, when its defeat ended 27 years as the central party of devolved government.
Its governments developed policies distinct from those in England, including free prescriptions and free school breakfasts. Welsh Labour also supplied every Welsh First Minister from Rhodri Morgan to Eluned Morgan.
Labour still runs Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. In the Llantwit Fardre by-election there on 3 September 2026 it finished fourth. The former Conservative MS Joel James won with 57.5%, and Reform UK came third on 13.3%.
Welsh Labour loses its government
On 7 May, Welsh Labour fell from 30 seats in the 2021 Senedd to nine in the new 96-seat chamber. The result ended its continuous control of Welsh Government since devolution and cost Eluned Morgan her Ceredigion Penfro seat.
Ken Skates became interim leader on 9 May after Morgan resigned. He was Welsh Labour's fourth leader in 26 months, making organisational stability part of its task alongside rebuilding electoral support. The party now holds nine seats in opposition while Plaid Cymru leads the Welsh Government.