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Welsh Assembly: Deadlock in vote for first minister Welsh Assembly: Deadlock in vote for first minister
(35 minutes later)
Welsh Assembly members have failed to elect a new first minister on their return to the Senedd.Welsh Assembly members have failed to elect a new first minister on their return to the Senedd.
Welsh Labour's Carwyn Jones was expected to be re-appointed following Thursday's election. Labour's Carwyn Jones was expected to be re-appointed following Thursday's election.
But Plaid Cymru nominated its leader Leanne Wood, and won the backing of the Tories and UKIP, while Mr Jones won the support of sole Welsh Lib Democrat Kirsty Williams and his own party. But Plaid Cymru nominated its leader Leanne Wood, and won the backing of the Tories and UKIP, while Mr Jones won the support of sole Liberal Democrat Kirsty Williams and his own party.
The vote was tied at 29-29 and the Senedd was adjourned for discussions. With the vote tied at 29-29, the Senedd was adjourned to a later date.
Earlier, Plaid Cymru AM Elin Jones was elected as the new presiding officer, defeating party colleague Lord Elis-Thomas. Despite losing one seat at the assembly election, Mr Jones had said he expected to form a minority Labour government with 29 of the assembly's 60 members.
On Friday, he spoke of having discussions with Plaid Cymru and Ms Williams to decide the way forward, but was not seeking any formal coalition.
Mr Jones remains first minister until assembly members vote to re-appoint or replace him.
In a statement, the Plaid Cymru group said: "As is the convention, the biggest party were given an opportunity to reach an agreement on forming a government which could lead Wales with the support of the majority of members in the National Assembly.
"They took the decision not to pursue that option, and were not prepared to give the process of negotiation any further time.
"As a result, the Plaid Cymru group followed normal Parliamentary protocol and nominated Leanne Wood for First Minister.
"Carwyn Jones was informed of this decision yesterday.
"Since that time, and as far as Plaid Cymru is aware, there have been no formal discussions, agreements or deals pursued between any party.
"This afternoon, the assembly failed to reach agreement on who should become First Minister and form the next government.
"It is now for the parties to discuss this matter further in order to seek the best outcome for Wales."
Commenting on her decision to back Mr Jones, Ms Williams said: "I was not re-elected into the National Assembly to support a ragtag coalition made up of UKIP assembly members who at the moment can't even agree with each other.
"That is not my politics and not something I will even contemplate.
"I am disappointed that Plaid seem to think that is a viable option.
"The reality that we have to face is that Labour have 29 assembly members.
"It is therefore clear that they have the strongest mandate from the people of Wales."
AMs have 28 days following the election to decide on a first minister.
If there is no agreement, the UK government's Welsh Secretary can call a fresh election.
Earlier on Wednesday, Plaid Cymru AM Elin Jones was elected as the new presiding officer, defeating party colleague Lord Elis-Thomas.