What does Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth do next after election victory?

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. What does Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth do next after election victory? 3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleDavid DeansWales political reporterRob Norman/Plaid CymruRhun ap Iorwerth is set to form a new government on TuesdayPlaid Cymru forged a stunning victory in this week's Senedd election, replacing Labour as the largest party in Wales. To a crowd of cheering well-wishers and party activists, leader Rhun ap Iorwerth vowed on Saturday that he will go it alone, forming a Welsh government of only Plaid Cymru ministers.

That is tricky when his group of 43 is six seats short of a majority, and there is potential for drama to come. But for now, the road for ap Iorwerth to become first minister is speed bump-free. What does he need to do next?

The Details

Become first ministerIt was obvious at Saturday's victory rally that Plaid does not want to mess about and delay getting into government. In the Welsh Parliament there is a formal process to make that happen, where ap Iorwerth will have to be confirmed as first minister in a vote. Plaid wants that to happen at the earliest possible opportunity - on Tuesday.

The Senedd's presiding officer will need to give members 24 hours notice before a meeting can take place. Ap Iorwerth should make it through the process because the numbers in the new 96-member Senedd are in his favour. He is helped by the fact that Labour's vastly diminished group of nine is expected to sit on their hands and abstain.

It's not known what the Conservatives would, do but even if they supported Reform they would only have a combined 41 votes, versus Plaid's 43. The Lib Dems and the Greens have said they will not help Reform in any way. Members will need to confirm their choice in a roll call - the winner is the candidate who gets more than any other choice combined.

What Experts Say

Something else needs to happen as well though - the Senedd needs to find a replacement for Presiding Officer Elin Jones, whose job is also known as the Llywydd. Several names have been mentioned, including Paul Davies from the Conservatives and Huw Irranca-Davies from Labour. MSs will need to elect the presiding officer in a secret ballot, before they select a new first minister.

If that is not straight forward it could potentially delay ap Iorwerth becoming first minister. Rob Norman/Plaid CymruWhich of Rhun ap Iorwerth's MSs will he pick to be ministers? Form his teamAp Iorwerth will then have the job of picking who from his team will get to be a minister.

The number of ministers he can have, other than himself, is increasing from 12 to 17. There is little solid intel yet on who he might pick. You could guess that some of his Senedd members who have worked on certain portfolios for a while might want the jobs for real now - or he might want them to do something else.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.