Welsh politician and journalist; Leader of Plaid Cymru since June 2023; MS for Ynys Môn since 2013
The Prime Minister has met Scotland’s First Minister in Glasgow amid Commonwealth Games coverage, arguing for deeper devolution to spur growth while ruling out a new independence referendum. Both leaders commit to constructive engagement and addressing the cost of living.
The government has announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues across England, effective next April, in a move designed to support high streets and local communities. The measure is funded by reviewing reliefs for non-contributing businesses and cracking down on VAT evasion online. The largest venues are excluded; details will follow in the autumn budget. The package aims to shield around 32,000 venues, saving a typical pub about £1,100 next year.
The local elections across England and the semiautonomous parliaments in Scotland and Wales are likely to yield a heavy setback for Keir Starmer’s Labour. Polls open early and results are expected by Friday afternoon, with Reform UK and the Greens poised to gain at Labour’s expense amid wider disillusionment with the government.
Since mid-May 2026 Labour has been forced into open leadership turmoil after heavy local election losses. Wes Streeting has resigned and declared a challenge; Andy Burnham has been enabled to seek a Commons seat via a Makerfield by-election; party members are expressing stronger support for Burnham than Keir Starmer.
Andy Burnham has outlined a plan to devolve power away from Whitehall, establishing a No 10 North unit in Manchester to oversee regional reform, housing, transport and economic policy. He has positioned himself as the voice for English regions and signalled potential changes to where key decisions are made.
Labour leadership discussions have outlined a plan to reinvest in defence, increase transparency, and pursue a stronger, Europe-facing foreign policy, as Nimble leadership contest continues to unfold.