Jones leading Labour back to power in Wales – but still uncertain of a majority

Labour has held on to its status as the largest party in the Welsh Assembly but could end up short of a majority after losing the heartland seat of the Rhondda.

The party is on course to form a minority Government in Cardiff under leader Carwyn Jones. Labour gained 34.7 per cent of the constituency vote share, down 7.5 per cent from 2011.

In a shock result in the Rhondda, Leighton Andrews was beaten by Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood.

Today Jones said it is “obviously disappointing to see Leighton lose his seat” but added a positive message the party has not seen “a Tory surge in terms of Conservatives picking up seats from us.”

Welsh Labour has currently holding 29 seats, with four left to be declared. Previously the party had 30 seats, the minimum needed for a majority in the Senedd.

There new Labour AMs include Dawn Bowden, Lee Waters, Rhianon Passmore, Hefin David, Hannah Blythyn, Jayne Bryant and Jeremy Miles.

Plaid Cymru previously held nine seats, though are expected to increase that to hold 12. At the time of writing they have 11.

UKIP has won its first seats in the Senedd. At the time of writing they had won six seats, all from the list vote.