Labour expect to lose power in Wales as Senedd Election results awaited - live updates

Voting has concluded in Wales’ Senedd election, with the count underway to determine the composition of the newly expanded Welsh Parliament. The Senedd has increased from 60 to 96 members, with six representatives elected from each of the 16 new constituencies through a proportional representation system. Early indications from senior Labour sources suggest the party is poised to lose power in Wales for the first time since devolved government began in 1999, ending over a century of Labour dominance in the region. The election marks a significant political shift, with polls predicting a highly competitive race between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK for the largest number of seats. Labour’s hold on key constituencies, such as Eluned Morgan’s seat in Ceredigion Penfro, is uncertain. The Green Party is also expected to secure its first-ever Senedd seats, signaling a diversification of political representation. Meanwhile, the performance of the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats remains unclear as results continue to be tallied. The new electoral system replaces the previous mix of constituency and regional representatives with a more proportional approach, aiming to better reflect voter preferences across Wales. This change, alongside the increased number of seats, is anticipated to reshape the political landscape and governance dynamics in the Senedd. The vote count process includes verification steps to ensure accuracy between ballot papers and recorded votes, with the first results expected to be announced around mid-afternoon. The outcome of this election will have significant implications for Welsh governance and policy direction, potentially ending Labour’s long-standing control and ushering in a more fragmented and competitive political environment. As results are finalized, attention will focus on coalition-building efforts and the formation of a new government capable of navigating the evolving political terrain in Wales.