About our Wales news
Latest news on Wales, covering Welsh politics, the Senedd, Plaid Cymru, NHS Wales, Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Wrexham, devolution, and the Welsh language.
Wales (Cymru in Welsh) is a nation of around 3.2 million people, governed through the devolved Senedd Cymru — the Welsh Parliament — which holds powers over health, education, housing, and transport. Cardiff is the capital, with Swansea, Newport, and Wrexham among the other major urban centres. The Welsh economy spans public services, manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, and a growing digital sector, with the Development Bank of Wales supporting business investment across the country.
The 7 May 2026 Senedd election produced a historic result: Plaid Cymru became the largest party for the first time, winning 43 seats, while Reform UK surged to second place with 34. Welsh Labour suffered a dramatic collapse, reduced to just nine seats — its worst result since the 1922 UK general election. With no party reaching the 49-seat majority threshold, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth moved to form a minority government. First Minister Eluned Morgan lost her own seat, and Ken Skates was named interim Welsh Labour leader.
The election was the first under a reformed system, with the Senedd expanding from 60 to 96 Members and switching to closed-list proportional representation. Turnout hit 51.6%, a record for any Senedd election. Plaid Cymru has committed to laying the groundwork for a White Paper on Welsh independence, though leader ap Iorwerth has clarified that a referendum will not be pursued in the first term.
The NHS and the cost of living dominated the election campaign. NHS Wales receives the highest per-person funding of any UK nation, yet waiting times remain a persistent concern. The Welsh Government's budget is heavily weighted towards health and social care, leaving limited room on other priorities including education. Cardiff's ongoing regeneration — particularly around Cardiff Bay and the city centre — reflects broader debates about growth, inequality, and identity across Welsh society.
Wales has a distinct cultural identity rooted in its Celtic heritage, its own legal and educational traditions, and the Welsh language. Around 880,000 people speak Welsh, and the Welsh Government's Cymraeg 2050 strategy aims to reach one million speakers. The language features on road signs, in schools, and in broadcasting, including on S4C, and remains a live political issue. Wales's literary tradition — from the Mabinogion to Dylan Thomas — and its choral and eisteddfod cultures continue to shape national life.
Our NewsNow Wales feed brings together the latest headlines from across the country — from Senedd politics and Welsh Government policy to NHS updates, Welsh language developments, and local stories from Cardiff to Conwy. Whether you're a resident, following Welsh affairs from elsewhere in the UK, or tracking the changing shape of British politics, this feed is your one-stop source for all the news that matters in Wales.