Labour Recognizes Reform as a Major Threat in Wales
Labour has officially acknowledged that the Reform party poses a significant threat in Wales, following recent polling data indicating that the party is on track to win the next election. According to research conducted by More In Common for Sky News, support for Reform has reached 28 percent, surpassing Plaid Cymru, which stands at 26 percent. Labour follows closely behind with 23 percent, while the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats trail with 10 percent and 7 percent respectively.
These results suggest that Reform could potentially become the largest party in the Senedd next year, although it may still fall short of the 49 seats required for an outright majority. This development marks a major shift in Welsh politics, as Labour has held power since devolution, maintaining its dominance for 26 years.
Baroness Eluned Morgan, Labour’s leader in Wales, has expressed concern over the potential impact of Reform’s rise. She warned that policies such as free prescriptions and free school meals for primary school children could be at risk if voters choose to support the party. “We’re taking it very seriously, and we think the threat from Reform is a very serious threat,” she stated.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform, has set his sights on the Senedd after making significant gains in local elections in England earlier this year. The party has also seen a notable shift in support, with former Welsh Secretary David Jones recently leaving the Conservatives and joining Reform. This move highlights the growing appeal of the party among voters in Wales.
If the current poll results were to hold true in the next election, it could signal the end of Labour’s long-standing rule in Wales. According to projections, Reform could secure 33 seats, while Labour would drop from 30 to 25 seats. Plaid Cymru, on the other hand, could increase its representation from 13 to 30 seats.
Baroness Morgan acknowledged the possibility that Reform might become the largest party in the Senedd, calling it “really concerning.” However, she emphasized that it would be difficult for Reform to govern alone without forming a coalition. Despite this, she ruled out any possibility of working with the party, stating, “I wouldn’t touch Reform with a bargepole.”
The First Minister also reiterated Labour’s commitment to winning back voters through authenticity and clarity in its messaging. She stressed the importance of leading with values and bringing communities together rather than engaging in divisive tactics. “I think we’ve got to lead with our values. We’re about bringing communities together, not dividing them,” she said.
She added that Labour would not attempt to out-Reform Reform, emphasizing that such an approach does not align with their core principles. “I’m not interested in that, because those aren’t my values,” she concluded.
This political landscape in Wales is evolving rapidly, with Reform challenging the traditional power dynamics. As the next election approaches, all parties will need to adapt and respond to the shifting preferences of voters. The outcome could reshape the future of Welsh politics and redefine the role of each party in the region.
