First Minister warns ‘Wales will fall into chaos’ if Plaid or Reform win Senedd election
Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan has warned that next year’s Senedd election could plunge the country into “chaos” if voters back Plaid Cymru or Reform UK.
Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Morgan said only Labour could provide “experience and stability in an age of instability,” while accusing her opponents of making empty promises that would damage communities across South West Wales and beyond.
‘Fantasy politics’ vs ‘stability’
Eluned Morgan, Welsh Labour leader and First Minister, told delegates: “Wales will fall into chaos if either Plaid or Reform wins in May. What we need is experience and stability in an age of instability.”
She accused Reform of planning to “gut the NHS, axe free prescriptions, and flog off and frack everything that moves,” while branding Plaid’s independence drive as “fantasy politics” that would leave families worse off.
Morgan also pledged new licensing powers to curb the spread of vape shops on high streets, and confirmed that businesses seeking Welsh Government support would need to pay the Real Living Wage, end exploitative zero-hours contracts and support trade union access.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens addresses the Labour Party conference from the lectern, highlighting investment, jobs and regeneration across Wales. Credit: Welsh LabourUK Labour backs Welsh delivery
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, reinforced the message, warning that Plaid’s independence plans would mean “billions of pounds of tax rises and biting austerity forced on working people across Wales.”
She highlighted joint UK and Welsh Labour investment in South West Wales, including employment schemes in Neath Port Talbot, nearly half a billion pounds in rail upgrades, and the £200 million Pride in Place Programme to regenerate high streets.
“Labour has ended austerity in Wales. Don’t let Reform or Plaid impose it again,” she said.
Election battle lines drawn
The Senedd election is scheduled for May 2026, with Labour positioning itself as the party of delivery and stability. Both Morgan and Stevens framed the contest as a choice between Labour’s record of investment and what they called the “division” of their opponents.
Plaid Cymru responded by accusing Labour of “talking Wales down,” while pointing to policies such as the two-child benefit cap as evidence that working families are struggling under Labour’s watch.
With polls showing Labour under pressure, the party is betting that a message of stability versus “chaos” will resonate with voters across Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
From Westminster landslide to Senedd stalemate — new polling shows two very different futures for South West Wales
Latest projections reveal contrasting outcomes under Westminster and Senedd systems, with Reform, Labour and Plaid all in contention.
David Darkin launches Senedd bid for Carmarthenshire super-constituency
Llanelli architect and Labour councillor sets sights on representing the new Sir Gaerfyrddin seat in 2026.
Plaid Cymru and Reform UK neck and neck as Labour slumps to historic low in new Senedd poll
Dramatic new survey puts Plaid and Reform in a tight race, with Labour at its lowest support since devolution.
Cefin Campbell named as Plaid Cymru’s lead candidate for Carmarthenshire Senedd election
Plaid confirms its candidate list for Sir Gaerfyrddin, with Cefin Campbell topping the ticket.
Jeremy Miles to stand down from Senedd at next election
Former Labour leadership contender announces he will not seek re-election in 2026.
Could Jeremy Corbyn hand the Senedd to Reform UK?
Analysis of how a new left-wing party could split the progressive vote and reshape the 2026 Senedd contest.
#ElunedMorganMS #FirstMinister #JoStevensMP #LabourPartyConference #SeneddElection #WelshLabour #WelshSecretary
