Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has called for a new relationship with Westminster, setting out demands for whoever succeeds the current UK Prime Minister. This comes as several Welsh Labour Members of Parliament have indicated their support for the resignation.
Two Welsh Labour MPs, Tonia Antoniazzi and Ruth Jones, informed BBC Wales that they believed the Prime Minister had made the correct decision in stepping down. An unnamed Labour minister suggested that many within the UK government had also wished for the resignation, stating that while personal circumstances are difficult, the decision was for the country's benefit.
Former First Minister Mark Drakeford has publicly endorsed Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as a potential future Prime Minister. Drakeford, who campaigned with Burnham, expressed belief in Burnham's ability to inspire hope and restore faith in future improvement, citing Burnham's experience with devolution from both the perspective of a mayor and having run a major local authority.
However, a different Welsh Labour source cautioned that while Burnham would need to engage constructively with the Welsh government, he must also be prepared to hold it accountable. This source suggested the Welsh government currently has financial aspirations exceeding its budget and that Burnham would need to assist in prioritizing the cost-of-living crisis.
Rhun ap Iorwerth stated that regardless of who occupies Number 10 Downing Street, his demands to the Prime Minister's successor will remain consistent. He expressed hope that a leader like Andy Burnham, with experience as a mayor, would possess a greater understanding of the importance of effective devolution. This underscores ap Iorwerth's focus on strengthening devolved powers.