Wales election 2026: Counting begins as Labour expected to lose Senedd
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Early indications suggest a strong performance for Plaid Cymru, with sources describing the situation as "positive" and noting Labour's vote collapse in several key areas.
- Labour faces significant challenges, particularly in traditional strongholds like Casnewydd Islwyn and Blaenau Gwent Caerfilli Rhymni, where Reform UK and Plaid Cymru are emerging as leading contenders.
- The 2026 Senedd election features major changes, including 96 members elected from 16 new constituencies using a proportional voting system (D'Hondt), replacing the previous first-past-the-post system.
- Reform UK is optimistic about its prospects, with candidates predicting a collapse of Labour support and aiming to challenge the long-standing dominance of Plaid Cymru and Labour in areas like Llanelli.
- Voter turnout shows some increases in newly created constituencies, and smaller parties like the Greens hope to win their first Senedd seats, signaling a potentially more diverse political landscape in Wales.
