Former Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has attributed Welsh Labour's recent Senedd election defeat to the UK Labour government's failure to deliver new powers to Wales. Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Drakeford argued that the lack of a clear devolution agenda from Westminster Labour weakened the party's "unique selling point"—strong devolution within the UK.
Labour lost control of the Welsh government to Plaid Cymru on 7 May, falling to third place for the first time since 1999. The party now holds only nine of 60 Senedd seats, down from half.
Drakeford defended his government's record on health and education but acknowledged that public frustration over issues like changes to the winter fuel allowance and the prime minister's standing was repeatedly raised on the campaign trail. He said, "We had so little in the first two years of that Labour government at Westminster that allowed us to demonstrate that we are still the party of devolution here in Wales."
A Welsh Labour source countered by calling Drakeford the "architect-in-chief" of the defeat, citing unpopular policies such as the 20mph speed limit, NHS waiting lists, and the expansion of the Senedd. They demanded a period of silence from him.
Another source claimed the UK government had delivered on manifesto commitments to strengthen devolution, including reforming Wales' fiscal framework and devolving employment support. However, Welsh Labour's longstanding demands—such as control over the Crown Estate, HS2 funding, and policing powers—remain unmet.
Interim leader Ken Skates has expressed interest in the permanent role, and Drakeford has called for a leadership contest to "galvanise" debate within the party.