Welsh nationalists see Andy Burnham as potential partner for devolution reform

Following the Welsh election and Plaid Cymru’s subsequent entry into the Welsh government, there has been a notable shift in sentiment among Welsh nationalists regarding a potential partnership with Andy Burnham. According to Will Hayward, a contributor to The Guardian, Burnham is viewed as a Westminster leader with whom Welsh nationalists could finally collaborate, provided he is willing to challenge devo-sceptics within the UK Labour Party.

Hayward observed this change during his first attendance at a Plaid Cymru conference since the party assumed leadership of the Welsh government. He noted that unlike at previous conferences, where attendees were rarely positive about UK Labour leadership, there was a distinct sense of optimism directed toward Burnham.

This sentiment was echoed by Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth during an interview with Hayward. Ap Iorwerth expressed hope that Burnham possessed a genuine desire to grant Wales meaningful concessions and additional powers—a stance he described as different from the approach taken by Keir Starmer.