Elliw Gwawr

Jo Stevens will leave her post as Welsh secretary as Prime Minister Andy Burnham forms his new government. Stevens defended her record despite criticism from some within Welsh Labour over her stance on devolution, highlighting major investment in public services, steel, nuclear power and rail. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth urged the next Welsh secretary to support devolution and said he expects early talks with Burnham. Speculation over Stevens’ successor includes Stephen Kinnock, Anna McMorrin and Carwyn Jones. Nick Thomas-Symonds also announced his departure from government after serving as the UK’s chief negotiator with the EU.

Plans for a Welsh child poverty payment trial face significant administrative hurdles, including ensuring the £10 weekly payment is not treated as income for benefit calculations and securing UK government cooperation on data sharing. Legal experts agree Wales has the power to introduce the scheme but emphasize the need for agreements with the Department for Work and Pensions and HMRC, referencing previous difficulties with a basic income pilot. Welsh ministers say discussions with the UK government have begun, while charities and policy groups support the proposal as an important tool to reduce child poverty.

Welsh Conservatives ruled out supporting Plaid Cymru ministers on a supplementary budget set for a 14 July vote, leaving Labour as the only feasible partner for passing £294m in spending that includes funding for school repairs and NHS waiting times. Labour and Plaid remain far apart in talks, while Reform outlined conditions but is considered an unlikely partner due to past political positions. Plaid's government must secure support from at least one other party after losing a recent non‑binding vote, as opposition parties press for more funding for additional learning needs in line with UK government allocations.