Former Welsh First Minister Links Labour Defeat to Limited New Powers

Former Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford said the UK Labour government offered little new authority to Wales after taking office in 2024. Drakeford stated that the absence of a stronger devolution agenda from Welsh Labour MPs in Westminster weakened the party's argument that it alone could deliver more control over domestic affairs while remaining in the United Kingdom.

He said this gap made it harder for Welsh Labour to demonstrate its record during the Senedd election campaign.

Welsh government to Plaid Cymru on 7 May and fell to third place for the first time. The party now holds nine seats in the Senedd, down from roughly half of the chamber. Drakeford defended the previous Welsh Labour government's performance on health and education but acknowledged that voters repeatedly raised concerns about changes to the winter fuel allowance and the standing of the prime minister.

A Welsh Labour source described Drakeford as the architect of the defeat and called for a period of silence from him. The source pointed to the 20 mph speed limit law, NHS waiting lists, the expansion of the Senedd, and a shift in voting system as factors that contributed to the result.

Another source said the UK Labour government had delivered on manifesto commitments to strengthen devolution, including reforms to the fiscal framework, devolution of employment support and youth justice funding, and restoration of control over the local growth fund.

Drakeford responded that voters on the doorstep expressed frustration with the party and that further discussion within Welsh Labour was needed over its future leadership.