Welsh Labour told to focus on young people, councils and tourism to win election

Wales Online

02-07-2025

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The political scene in Wales is facing increasing examination as North Wales Live readers share their thoughts on Labour's record and future outlook. There's a significant sense of discontent among the public, especially concerning the Senedd, the Welsh Assembly.
It's clear that Labour in Wales holds a unique position, having maintained power for a prolonged period and still commanding substantial backing. Nonetheless, beneath the "Welsh Labour" label lies a diverse group of individuals rather than a cohesive unit.
The party's leadership in Wales is headed by a figure who wasn't the first choice among numerous elected members and didn't win a ballot of party members. Simultaneously, at the national level, the party leader, although triumphant in the leadership contest, is experiencing dwindling approval ratings.
These dynamics are critical, as Labour prepares for a demanding year ahead, confronting challenges on two primary fronts: the rising appeal of Reform's populist stance and the long-standing rivalry with Plaid Cymru.
One reader, Alwyn67 believes: "Personally, I think Labour will perform poorly in the next Senedd elections, primarily due to the party's unpopularity in Westminster. The vast majority of people I speak to barely know what the Assembly does, let alone name any of its successes over the past 25 years. To be fair, there have been some achievements; new primary school buildings, better covid response, free school meals, improved transport for example. However, policies like the Senedd expansion, the 20mph speed limit, and declining performance in NHS and education are areas where Labour seems unwilling to be honest about the shortcomings or acknowledge lessons learned.
"At Westminster, Labour is really struggling with the difficult realities the country faces - an ageing population, long-term issues caused by Covid, stubborn inflation, a massive public sector deficit (£120 bn per year), and an economy projected to shrink by another 5% over the next five years, on top of the 5% hit already caused by Brexit. Regardless of political leaning; Plaid or Reform voters, left or right, i can't see any easy way out of this. Things are likely to get worse before they get better. Just look at the debate currently going through Parliament on health-related benefits have risen from £20 bn in 2020 to £40 bn in 2025 and are projected to reach £66 bn by 2030. To manage that alone, spending would need to be cut by £26 billion over the next five years. And labour are trying to push through reforms that reduce that only reduce this by 3bn to 23 bn per year."
Dye feels: "There are probably less opportunities for young people in Wales than other parts of the UK. Wales' biggest asset is probably tourism. This current Welsh assembly has needlessly spent money on vanity projects to put themselves on the map instead of focusing on the Welsh economy. The poor infrastructure of getting to tourist locations, high level of parking charges, double Council tax rates for 2nd homes is destroying tourist businesses all over Wales. Poor funding to Councils has resulted in higher Council tax rates with less or poorer services. It's time to let someone else have a go of putting Wales back on its feet."
Expatboyo says: "After so many years of browbeating the people of Wales with their dictatorial ways, the consequences for Labour are becoming clear."
Jonesey1 writes: "Difficult choices to be made at the next election : Welsh Tories have little to no chance. Welsh Labour have mucked it up for a quarter of a century. Plaid Cymru are untested but are unassailably Welsh which might swing it for them. Welsh Liberal Democrats, maybe. Reform UK, no policies other than 'stop the foreigners'. Soooo, decisions, decisions, incapables or no-hopers."
Ofcourseitis comments: "A party on the edge hmm let's analyse why - 20mph, article 4, NHS, Pisa education results tourist tax, 10% hikes in council tax, Cardiff Airport, alcohol tax, meddling with school holidays, cancelling all road projects, meal deal bans, mandatory Welsh lessons, trees in Africa, fields for concerts, active travel routes, net zero everything, anything else?"
SCATHINGPEN thinks: "If Labour retain control of the Assembly (sic) after next year's elections in Wales then Wales is finally and irrevocably finished. If it's bad now, wait and see a few years down the line if Labour continue to hold power."
Toxteth O'Grady thinks: "North Wales is an afterthought in both Cardiff and Westminster. We would be better off aligning with our closest neighbours over the border. They are also hard done by by the London based and obsessed political parties."
Weneedpie questions: "It will be interesting to see how the new polling system work in Wales, and whether with the 'closed proportional list system' it more closely resembles voting cast. In other countries a voting system such as this tends to lead to closer outcomes, with no party gaining enough seats for overall control. Plaid Cymru and Labour in alliance maybe? There is still a long way to go and a week is a long time in politics, but I hope people vote on the issues, and the policies and are not persuaded by a social media party with its cult leader and no costed policies nor yet a party leader for Wales. We really do not need an overlord from Clacton telling us what to do."
Do you feel that the Welsh Labour party's days are numbered? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.