**Survey Reveals Widespread Dissatisfaction with Welsh Labour Government Across the Country**
A recently conducted poll has cast a harsh spotlight on public perceptions of the Welsh Labour Government, showing waning confidence among people in every corner of Wales. The survey, carried out by the reputable pollsters Beaufort, asked 1,000 residents a pointed question: “Do you think the Welsh Labour Government is doing a good job for Wales?” The results reveal an electorate that is, at best, deeply divided and, at worst, overwhelmingly sceptical.
According to the findings, only about 29% of those polled believe the Labour administration is serving Wales well. In stark contrast, 57% expressed the opposite view, with 15% uncertain or unwilling to express a definitive opinion. This gap between approval and disapproval signals a considerable challenge for Labour as it looks ahead to critical elections.
Closer analysis of the responses uncovers regional nuances in sentiment. Northern and mid-Wales, including places such as Wrexham, Flintshire, and Gwynedd, exhibited the greatest disapproval, with six out of ten respondents dismissing Labour’s performance. Conversely, Cardiff and areas of south-east Wales—traditionally Labour strongholds—showed slightly more support. Here, 33% responded favourably, but this was still overshadowed by 54% expressing dissatisfaction.
In south-west Wales and the Valleys—encompassing regions like Carmarthenshire, Swansea, and Bridgend—opinions rested somewhere between the two extremes. In this area, 56% stated that they do not believe Labour is performing well in government. These regional patterns underscore both the broad and localised nature of political disaffection.
Demographic factors played a noteworthy role in shaping perspectives. The data indicates that older individuals are particularly critical of Welsh Labour’s governance, with 66% of those aged over 55 expressing disapproval, compared to just 22% who offered praise. In contrast, respondents aged 16 to 34 were almost evenly split, with 40% approving and 42% disapproving. The generational divide is stark, suggesting that younger people are less entrenched in their attitudes than their elders.
A slight gender gap was also observed, with men more likely than women to view the government’s record unfavourably. Such splits hint at the myriad factors—ranging from local issues to broader ideological trends—that inform public opinion in Wales.
The shadow of next year’s Senedd election looms large over these poll results. Scheduled for May 2026, the ballot will be notable not only for its pivotal timing but also for its redesigned constituencies and expanded assembly, with 96 Members of the Senedd to be elected instead of the current 60. Current projections suggest Labour faces a daunting battle to retain its status as the nation’s leading political force.
Most strikingly, consistent polling now hints that Labour could be relegated to third place, behind Plaid Cymru and the surging Reform UK. Current forecasts suggest the party may secure only around 18% of the vote, while competitors register in the high 20s or even touch 30%. Eluned Morgan, the First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour, has openly acknowledged the threat posed by Reform UK, both at a national and constituency level.
Recent nationwide polling from YouGov adds further context, indicating that the shifting political landscape is not confined to Wales. When asked about a general UK election scenario, respondents placed Reform as the potential winner in 21 of Wales’ 32 parliamentary seats, underlining the scale of the challenge facing Labour. This marks a dramatic reversal from Labour’s landslide 172-seat UK majority in 2024, with new projections suggesting they could slump to second place by a significant margin.
As parties ramp up preparations for the coming year’s key contests, these findings underscore a period of considerable flux and uncertainty for Welsh politics. The next election, structured around a new voting system and amid widespread public doubt, promises to be among the most unpredictable in recent memory.
It remains to be seen whether Welsh Labour can reverse these negative trends or if the electorate’s dissatisfaction will pave the way for a new era in the Senedd. For now, the numbers reflect a clear message: many Welsh citizens, regardless of region or age, are questioning whether their government is truly serving their interests.