Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth becomes First Minister of Wales, vows change
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has become First Minister of Wales, following a swearing in ceremony in Cardiff today.
www.tenby-today.co.ukHere’s the latest on Rhun ap Iorwerth based on recent reporting.
- Rhun ap Iorwerth became the leader of Plaid Cymru in 2023 and has been serving as the party’s figurehead in Welsh politics, with a focus on independence, language, and economic renewal.[3][4]
- In May 2026, after Plaid Cymru won the largest bloc in the Senedd, he was named First Minister of Wales, marking a historical moment as the first non-Labour leader to hold the post in the Senedd’s history; he said Plaid would pursue a minority government with a cooperative approach.[2][5]
- His background includes a long career in journalism with BBC Wales, followed by prominent political roles such as health spokesperson and deputy leadership within Plaid Cymru, before ascending to party leadership and then First Minister.[2][3]
If you’d like, I can pull up more specifics on his policy priorities as First Minister or provide a brief timeline of his career highlights.
Citations:
- Rhun ap Iorwerth as Plaid Cymru leader and background[3]
- 2026 First Minister appointment and minority government plan[5][2]
- Earlier leadership and career path[3]