Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation has triggered immediate demands from Wales and Scotland for a fundamental rebalancing of power with Westminster, as both first ministers accused Labour of failing to deliver on promises.
Rhun ap Iorwerth, who became Wales’ first minister in May after Plaid Cymru became the country’s biggest party, said he was “disappointed” that the Welsh government’s ability to engage with the prime minister had been “hampered by the turmoil in Westminster”. In a statement, he called for “a new relationship with Westminster, with a focus on greater powers, fair funding and respect for the democratic mandate delivered by the people of Wales”. Ap Iorwerth added: “My government and I will always seek a constructive relationship with whoever is in Number 10, but we have clear expectations that the respect agenda must work both ways.”
“Welsh and Scottish first ministers demand new relationship and funding after Starmer resignation.”
Hours later, Scotland’s first minister John Swinney joined the chorus, calling for a “fundamental change of direction” and accusing Labour of “broken promises”. Neither demand is new: ap Iorwerth had spelled out a list of demands including more powers for the Welsh government even before Sir Keir announced he would remain in post until a new Labour leader is selected in September. But the prime minister’s promise of a meeting with the first ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in June has failed to materialise.
Welsh Labour MPs, however, backed Sir Keir’s decision to resign. Tonia Antoniazzi and Ruth Jones both told BBC Wales he had “done the right thing”. One unnamed Labour minister said “many” in the UK government had wanted Sir Keir to go, adding: “It’s never pleasant and sad for him personally, but the most important thing is to do what is best for the country – and this is.” Interim Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates praised Sir Keir, saying he had brought his party “back from oblivion”.
But Reform’s Welsh leader Dan Thomas demanded a general election, insisting: “The public must decide who governs the country, not Labour members.”
Ap Iorwerth noted that none of the further powers and cash for Wales – including the devolution of justice, which Plaid had promised at the Senedd election – materialised under Sir Keir’s tenure. Former Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford said he hopes Manchester mayor Andy Burnham will become prime minister, having campaigned together.