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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.
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 Liberal 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.
With the vote tied at 29-29, the Senedd was adjourned to a later date.With the vote tied at 29-29, the Senedd was adjourned to a later date.
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.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.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.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. 'Don't force this'
"They took the decision not to pursue that option, and were not prepared to give the process of negotiation any further time. Plaid AM Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "The people of Wales decided by a narrow margin in terms of the number of seats, but by a hefty margin in terms of the popular vote, that they didn't want Labour to have majority control in the National Assembly for Wales.
"As a result, the Plaid Cymru group followed normal Parliamentary protocol and nominated Leanne Wood for First Minister. "We of course respected the right of Labour to have a first crack at forming a stable government, if you like, of seeking a majority.
"Carwyn Jones was informed of this decision yesterday. "In a meeting this week Leanne Wood told Carwyn Jones to have a bit more time, don't force this vote today, have a bit more time in order to try to find a consensus, reflecting on the fact that they are in a minority.
"Since that time, and as far as Plaid Cymru is aware, there have been no formal discussions, agreements or deals pursued between any party. "They decided not to take that opportunity. We put Leanne Wood's name up - why wouldn't we?"
"This afternoon, the assembly failed to reach agreement on who should become First Minister and form the next government. Mr ap Iorwerth added that the assembly was "giving the signal... that this is an assembly without one party having a majority".
"It is now for the parties to discuss this matter further in order to seek the best outcome for Wales." Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said Labour had "no divine right" to assume Mr Jones would be elected first minister after its share of the vote fell.
"It is for new assembly members to explore, and discuss, the best way forward for the Welsh nation, which has for too long fallen behind the rest of the UK," he said.
"Certainly, I sense an appetite for a new kind of collaborative Welsh politics, and would welcome further discussions to build on those which led to today's vote."
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.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."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."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."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.""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.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.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.Earlier on Wednesday, Plaid Cymru AM Elin Jones was elected as the new presiding officer, defeating party colleague Lord Elis-Thomas.
Analysis by Nick Servini, BBC Wales political editor
This is about Plaid Cymru flexing its muscles and sending out a signal, following the accusations that Labour had had it easy in the previous five years in the assembly.
Labour say it is a stunt, with Plaid Cymru doing deals with the Conservatives and UKIP.
Plaid's riposte is that Labour have been arrogant in the run up to Wednesday's events, with Carwyn Jones offering nothing clear on his plans for government.
Labour AMs have been walking around with faces like thunder and although one Plaid Cymru AM has said it was not about giving them "a bloody nose", it has created bad blood.
What next?
Well, they'll return next week for another vote knowing that AMs have 28 days to decide on a first minister - that's 28 days from the day of the election, which would take us to 2 June.
If there is no agreement the secretary of state for Wales can call a fresh election.