Recent political developments include announcements from Plaid Cymru, a local by-election result, and statements from the Foreign Secretary. The leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth, declared that the party would introduce “new energy” to the Senedd following 26 years of Welsh Labour governance, ahead of their annual conference in Swansea. Iorwerth also characterized the upcoming Welsh parliament elections as a two-horse race between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK.
In local election news, the Kenn Valley (Teignbridge) Council By-Election resulted in a Liberal Democrat gain from the Conservatives. The Liberal Democrats secured 50.4% of the vote, with Reform UK garnering 23.1% and the Conservatives 9.6%.
On foreign policy matters, the Foreign Secretary stated the UK government’s necessity to collaborate with China, while also acknowledging a “series of security threats.” The Foreign Secretary further declined to address questions regarding the requirement for new political leadership in Israel. Separately, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has faced accusations of displacing some progressive allies during a recent reorganization within his office.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2025/oct/10/uk-politics-latest-live-news-labour-reform-plaid-cymru-snp-conservatives