Welsh Labour has declared its performance in the Welsh Parliament election as 'an extraordinary set of results in extraordinary times', with the party on track to retain control of the Welsh Government. Despite early polls suggesting Labour could win as few as 22 seats, the party has so far secured 25 seats, losing only one and gaining Rhondda from Plaid Cymru's former leader Leanne Wood.
Health minister Vaughan Gething, who held his Cardiff South and Penarth seat with a significantly increased majority, attributed the turnaround to Labour's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 'The pandemic has thrust the First Minister in the spotlight, and most people like what they've seen,' he told the PA news agency.
Labour's strong showing has reduced its reliance on other parties to form a government. Plaid Cymru, previously seen as a likely coalition partner, has lost ground, with Labour describing the party as having 'imploded' after losing Rhondda and failing to take target seats Llanelli and Aberconwy.
Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies acknowledged that traditional Labour voters who switched to the Tories in the 2019 general election had 'come home' in this election. Only one of Wales' so-called red wall seats, the Vale of Clwyd, fell to the Conservatives, while Labour held Wrexham, Clwyd South, and Delyn.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the strong performance reflected the 'real enthusiasm' he encountered on the campaign trail. Final regional results are expected on Saturday, which will determine the complete make-up of the next Senedd.
