The state of Welsh politics right now after the most turbulent year in its history

Cardiff: Wow, what a year it’s been for Welsh politics! It’s like a rollercoaster ride with all the twists and turns. Welsh Labour has seen two new leaders in just six months, and we’ve had three different First Ministers. The Conservatives didn’t sit back either; they ended the year with a pretty shocking leadership change.

Mark Drakeford announced he was stepping down as First Minister in December 2023. Then, Vaughan Gething made history as Wales’ first black leader in March. But after a whirlwind few months, he had to resign, and Eluned Morgan took over, making her the first female leader of Wales.

On the Conservative side, Andrew RT Davies was replaced by Darren Millar after a confidence vote. It’s been a tough time for the party, with Davies moving from leader to the backbenches in no time.

This year also saw the Covid inquiry come to Wales, and in the summer, Rishi Sunak’s gamble backfired, leading to a complete wipeout for the Conservatives in Wales during the general election on July 4. The law to reform the Senedd passed in May, setting the stage for a lot of behind-the-scenes work to prepare for the future.

There’s a buzz of political change in the air too, especially with Reform UK making waves. After a strong showing in the general election, three councillors switched to the party in Torfaen, marking their first Welsh councillors. Nigel Farage even claimed his party is Labour’s biggest threat ahead of the 2026 elections, and polls seem to back that up.

Speaking of the general election, it was a disaster for the Conservatives. They went in knowing it would be tough, but no one expected them to lose every single seat in Wales. Some former MPs were pretty candid about the campaign’s organization, and now the Senedd group is scrambling to fix things for 2026.

Mark Drakeford, love him or hate him, became a well-known figure during the pandemic. He announced his departure in December, but then he was back in the spotlight when Eluned Morgan needed someone to steady the ship. He took on the finance minister role again, so much for stepping back!

Vaughan Gething had a brief stint as leader, but his acceptance of a hefty donation from a convicted environmental offender caused a major rift in the party. It all came crashing down when several cabinet members quit, leading to his resignation.

Eluned Morgan stepped in next, and she’s got a tough job ahead. She’s trying to unite a divided party and focus on what really matters for Wales. In her first speech, she emphasized the importance of unity and listening to the people.

One of the biggest talking points this year was the controversial 20mph law. It marked its first birthday, and there’s been a review acknowledging that changes are needed. The government is looking into reversing some of the speed limits, which has been a hot topic among the public.

Farmers also made headlines with a massive protest at the Senedd, voicing their concerns over new subsidy schemes and other issues affecting their livelihoods. It was one of the largest demonstrations ever seen there.

And let’s not forget about Nigel Farage, who held a big conference in Wales, claiming his party is a serious contender for the next elections. He’s got some bold predictions about Reform UK’s chances in 2026, and the polls suggest he might be onto something.

As for the Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies resigned after a confidence vote, leaving Darren Millar to pick up the pieces. He’s got a tough road ahead, trying to unite a divided group and prepare for the next election.

Lastly, a tourism tax is on the horizon, which has sparked a lot of debate. It’s been in the works for a decade, and while the government believes it’s a fair move, many in the tourism sector are worried it could deter visitors.

So, there you have it! Welsh politics is in a state of flux, and it’ll be interesting to see how things unfold in the coming months.