Scotland and Wales elections: Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan loses her seat in Senedd as Labour's humiliation worsens

Here's the final Holyrood results...

All 73 constituency seats in the Scottish Parliament election have been declared, with the SNP holding Uddingston & Bellshill being the final such result.

Among the 73 constituency seats, the SNP won 57, the Scottish Lib Dems won seven, the Scottish Conservatives won four, Scottish Labour won three and the Greens won two.

Scottish Conservative leader admits 'we always knew this was going to be tough day'

"We always knew this was going to be a tough election", Russell Findlay has said on a day that has so far seen his party lose seven seats in the Holyrood election.

Speaking to journalists at a count at the Braehead Arena in Renfrew, the Scottish Conservatives leader said votes for Reform UK had seen his party lose out to the SNP in a number of close-fought seats.

"What we warned would happen is exactly what has happened," he said.

"In many seats the Scottish Conservative candidates were beaten by the narrowest of margins, and that’s because people voted for Reform in those seats and let the SNP through the middle."

Mr Findlay also said it was "really disappointing" to see one-time party leader Jackson Carlaw lose his Eastwood seat to the SNP’s Kirsten Oswald.

Russell Findlay is a candidate in the West of Scotland regional list, which is expected to be declared later this evening.

Scottish Greens say party is no longer a 'wasted vote'

One of the Scottish Green Party’s newly elected MSPs has said the party is no longer a "wasted vote" after it won its first two constituency seats.

Lorna Slater’s win in Edinburgh Central, where she finished ahead of SNP minister Angus Robertson, meant she became the first Green to win a Holyrood constituency rather than a regional list seat.

Holly Bruce also won Glasgow Southside for the Greens, a seat formerly held by ex-first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Ms Bruce was battling equalities minister Kaukab Stewart in the constituency.

Ms Slater said: "This is a big step for the Scottish Green Party, credit to the hard work of everybody here. And to decades of work by our MSPs and councillors. Today is a fantastic day."

Northern Ireland's First Minister says Scotland and Wales are looking to a future 'beyond the Union'

The First Minister of Northern Ireland has congratulated the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru, saying both Scotland and Wales are looking to a future "beyond the union."

Sinn Féin's Michelle O’Neill said that she had reached out to John Swinney, the SNP leader, and Rhun Ap Iorweth, the Plaid Cymru leader, to congratulate them after today's results.

She said: "For the first time ever, there could be three pro-independence First Ministers across these islands.

"More and more people are looking towards a future beyond the constraints of the Union."

Here's the full Senedd results:

After all 16 results in the Welsh Parliament election, Plaid Cymru had won 43 seats with a 35.4 per cent share of the vote, with Reform UK taking 34 seats, with 29.3 per cent.

Labour, which had controlled the Senedd since its formation in 1999, had just nine seats on a vote share of just 11 per cent, with Conservatives winning seven seats, Greens two and the Liberal Democrats one.

Rhun ap Iorwerth says Plaid Cymru will form next Government of Wales

Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, proclaimed victory for his party in the Senedd elections.

The Plaid Cymru leader said: "I’m grateful to everybody that took part in this election, and yes, different voices are represented in that overall result.

"But based on that vote, Plaid Cymru now stands ready to take the necessary steps to form the next government of Wales."

He added: "This is a moment 100 years in the making, a moment in which we hold the promise and ambition of a nation in our hands, the promise of fairness, of opportunity, of prosperity, of a nation determined in its ambition and uncompromising in its compassion."

Scottish Labour deputy admits results for party have been disappointing 

Dame Jackie Baillie, who held her Dumbarton seat with a majority of 1,786 over the SNP, has admitted the results across Scotland have clearly been disappointing.

She said: "Anas Sarwar led an ambitious campaign, we were hopeful for the change we wanted to see across the country, but unfortunately we lost that argument."

Dame Jackie adds that the SNP scored a better result than she would have imagined they would have, given their failure on a number of policy issues.

However, she insisted party leader Anas Sarwar needs to stay on.

Here's the current situation in Scotland...

After 66 first-past-the-post constituency results out of 73 in the Scottish Parliament election, the SNP are on around 38 per cent of the vote.

Scottish Labour are on around 20 per cent, with Reform UK on around 16 per cent.

The Scottish Conservatives are on around 12 per cent and the Liberal Democrats on around 10 per cent.

Plaid Cymru falls short of majority in Senedd 

Plaid Cymru has fallen short of a majority in the Senedd.

With one constituency left to declare, Rhun ap Iorwerth's party is on course to be the largest party, with Reform just behind.

However, they will fall short, meaning they will need to do a deal to enter government in Wales.

Labour has been in control in Wales since devolution in 1999, but today it is plummeted to a historic defeat.

Keir Starmer pays tribute to Eluned Morgan

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Eluned Morgan as she stepped down as Welsh Labour leader.

The Prime Minister said: "Eluned has been a formidable First Minister and tireless champion for Wales.

"She broke barriers and has never stopped fighting for families in the communities she loves.

"Together we have worked to lift children out of poverty, cut hospital waiting lists, and create thousands of new jobs. I have no doubt her contribution to Wales will endure."

SNP minister defeated by Scottish Greens

An SNP minister has lost her seat, being defeated by the Scottish Greens.

The Scottish Greens won the Glasgow Southside constituency from the SNP.

The Greens’ Holly Bruce won the seat with 14,048 votes, with SNP Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart receiving 10,947 votes.

Here's the picture as half of Welsh constituency results declared

Half of the 16 Welsh constituency results have now been declared.

Plaid Cymru has won 22 seats with Reform UK on 17.

Labour, which has controlled the Senedd since its formation in 1999, currently are on just five, with its share of the vote slumping to 11.50 per cent.

The Conservatives had three seats and the Greens one.

Rhun ap Iorwerth says Wales has 'demanded change'

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said Wales "demanded change" as he was elected in the Bangor Conwy Mon constituency.

He said: "Today is about the future of our communities here and our nation as a whole.

"As the story of this election has emerged today, it has become clear that Wales demanded that change of leadership, and I look forward to saying more about this later, as the full picture becomes complete.

"My sense of service to my community and my belief in our nation drives me every single day, and Plaid Cymru is ready to serve not just those who entrusted their votes to us here, but all of the citizens of Wales that have a stake in our nation’s future."

Labour's Scotland leader Anas Sarwar loses constituency seat

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has lost to the SNP in his bid to win a constituency seat.

Mr Sarwar, who held his seat on the regional list in 2021, hoped to win the Glasgow Cathcart and Pollok constituency.

But the SNP held the seat as Zen Ghani gained more than 14,000 votes, while the Labour leader finished second with just over 9,000.

SNP projected to fall short of majority in Holyrood

The Scottish National Party (SNP) is projected to fall short of a majority in Holyrood, according to the BBC.

It comes after sitting SNP minister Angus Robertson lost his Edinburgh Central seat to the Scottish Greens.

Currently, 55 of the 73 constituency seats have been declared, with the SNP remaining in the lead with 45 seats, with other parties trailing behind.

The winners of the 56 regional seats have not yet been announced.

Greens win their first seat in Holyrood

The Greens have won their first constituency seat in Holyrood, with Lorna Slater defeating SNP minister Angus Robertson in Edinburgh Central.

Greens win their first ever seat in Senedd

The Greens have won their first ever seat in the Senedd, with Anthony Slaughter winning one of six seats at Caerdydd Penarth.

Reform UK's Scotland leader finishes THIRD in constituency election

Lord Malcolm Offord has finished third in voting for the Inverclyde constituency.

The Reform UK Scotland leader received 5,649 votes, finishing behind the SNP's Stuart McMillian with 14,193 votes and Labour's Francesca Brennan with 8,876.

Lord Offord, however will have another chance to become an MSP as he is also running on the regional list.

Where we are so far with 20 constituencies declared in Scotland

After 20 out of 73 constituency results in the Scottish Parliament election, the SNP have 17 seats, while Scottish Labour, the Scottish Conservatives and the Scottish Lib Dems each hold one.

The SNP’s share of the vote is around 40 per cent , while Labour is on around 19 per cent, the Tories on around 16 per cent and Reform UK also on around 16 per cent.

The Liberal Democrats are on around nine per cent of the constituency vote.

Welsh First Minister arrives at count as Labour admits defeat in Senedd

The Welsh First Minister and Labour Leader Eluned Morgan has arrived at her count in Ysgol Bro Teifi in Llandysul, Wales.

She declined to speak to journalists as she entered the centre.

It comes as Welsh Labour has admitted that they have lost the Senedd election. A spokesman said: "This has undeniably been a very difficult election.

"We now expect to lose several hardworking and respected Members of the Senedd. We thank them for their service to their communities.

"It is looking like Welsh Labour will return a group of around 10 MSs, which will at least allow a vocal Labour opposition, even though we are deeply disappointed about not being able to lead a government."

Reform UK's Wales leader makes victory speech after being elected to Senedd

Dan Thomas, leader of Reform UK in Wales made a victory speech at the Casnewydd Islwyn vote count.

He said: “My final and most important thank you is to the people of Newport and Islwyn, who have overwhelmingly placed their faith in Reform.

"You have given us a huge responsibility and we will not let you down.”

He added: “For decades the Welsh Valleys and cities such as Islwyn and Newport have been ignored, let down and forgotten by the old parties of Wales.

"Today, the people have spoken, and now in Reform, they finally have a voice.”

Mr Thomas later said: “Labour’s historic demise in their heartland is a lesson for all politicians to never forget the people who elected you. We must always work for the people, not against them.”

Welsh Labour MP admits it has been a 'deeply disappointing' day for Eluned Morgan's party

Claire Hughes, the Labour MP for Bangor Aberconwy, told reporters the anticipated result in Wales is "deeply disappointing" for the party.

She said: "It has been a really difficult election for us, there’s no getting away from that. We now need to take that opportunity to refocus, listen to what the voters have told us, and rebuild, think about how we start to actually reconnect with our supporters and with our base."

She attributed Labour’s expected poor performance to a “difficult mix of factors” but said she did not think Sir Keir Starmer was responsible for the party’s plummeting popularity in Wales.

Ms Hughes added: "Labour’s been in power in Wales for 27 years...I think, as the general election in 2024 proved, that narrative of change is really powerful."

"People, again, it seems, have voted for change, and we have to think about how we as the Labour Party can deliver that quicker and go further. I’m not saying it hasn’t played a part at all.

People in Wales know this was a Welsh election, Eluned (Morgan) said throughout, Keir Starmer is not on the ballot.

"That’s not to say that it’s all Welsh Labour’s fault, not at all...we’ve got to think as a movement how we come together, and how we learn the right lessons from this election."

​John Swinney claims victory for SNP

John Swinney has said it is clear the SNP will emerge as the largest party in the Scottish Parliament after being re-elected in his Perthshire North constituency.

Scotland’s First Minister said his party’s results were a "moment of enormous, enormous significance for me" as he thanked his supporters.

He won with 16,414 votes, a majority of just over 6,000.

Giving his victory speech at the election count in Perth, he said: "I express my warmest thanks to my constituents who supported me so emphatically in this election today."

He continued: "We are at the very early stages of the election count across the country. But it is becoming clear that the Scottish National Party is going to emerge as the largest party in this election campaign. That is, for me, something incredibly precious."

He added: "To have assumed the leadership of my party two years ago and to take it to the position where I expect us to win the election today is a moment of enormous, enormous significance for me. And one from which I take enormous personal assurance and joy."

Scottish Labour leader cedes his party failed to 'win the argument' in humiliating admission

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has admitted his party failed to "win the argument" and added his party was "hurting".

It comes as a party spokesman added that Labour was "deeply disappointed" with its disastrous set of election results.

ANALYSIS: GB News' Tony McGuire delivers insight from the Glasgow count

Three hours into the Glasgow count and the extent of the "scunner factor" is laid bare.

Turnout looks down across the majority of Glasgow's constituencies. It's a pattern that extends across Scotland, suggesting a national turnout in the region of 55 per cent.

However, a significant number are tracking below half.

On the counting floor, most parties are keeping their cards close to their chest... except the Greens.

There is talk of a Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill SNP win amid ramping chatter that the Greens will take Edinburgh Central from SNP stalwart Angus Robertson - firing up their carbon-neutral engines.

At the other end of the political table, Reform has a relatively relaxed morning in Glasgow, with the majority of their efforts focussing on the regional vote to be determined in the coming hours.

'It's a tragedy!' Welsh Labour candidate issues stark warning for party ahead of 'difficult day'

Alun Davies, the Labour candidate in Blaenau Gwent Caerfilli Rhymni, has admitted he was "not confident" he would retain his seat.

"We have had better days. This is going to be a difficult day for Labour, it’s going to be a turning point we will look back on in history," he told WalesOnline.

"The dominance of Welsh Labour across Wales for over a century, it’s pretty clear already that’s coming to an end.

"It’s a tragedy for individuals who will lose their seats and people who are not elected today. It will be something we will want to reflect upon over the days and weeks to come."

ANALYSIS: Dougie Beattie gives his insight at the Holyrood count

Aberdeen's count has somewhat slowed in the last hour, just as the first set of results from Holyrood come in.

Stephen Flynn MP has just arrived at the count and looks to be on track to take one of the six constituency seats up for grabs.

As expected, the SNP have polled well and there is a confidence around them that they will take five of the six constituency seats that are available here.

However, the Banffsire and Buchan coast seat is on the edge, with Reform slightly ahead.

It is now obvious that both the Conservatives and Reform UK have split their vote and this will affect the placement on the regional seats under the PR system. This could well hand the SNP an extra seat.

​First results in Scotland: Lib Dems hold Orkney

The first result in the Holyrood election has been returned with the Liberal Democrats holding the Orkney Islands.

Taking some 70.2 per cent of the vote, the Lib Dems won the ballot with 7,221 votes.

The SNP came in a distant second with 1,661 votes (16.2 per cent) and Reform claimed 844 votes (8.2 per cent).

The Conservatives and Labour took fourth and fifth place respectively with 358 votes (3.5 per cent) and 199 votes (1.9 per cent) respectively.

Labour Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander: ‘No sugarcoating losses in England’

Labour Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander has said there was "no sugarcoating the fact we have lost a number of really good councillors across England" but has remained focussed on task at hand in Scotland.

Mr Alexander said: "Frankly, I am more interested in what happens here in Scotland."

"We’ve been working hard to make this a Scottish election here in Scotland, about the government of Scotland.

"This is an election here in Scotland about the First Minister, not the Prime Minister," he told the BBC.

Scottish election chiefs launch investigation into voter fraud

Scottish election chiefs have launched an investigation into voter fraud across two Glasgow constituencies.

Three instances of possible personation (where a voter impersonates another) were noted in Glasgow Southside.

Another was recorded in the Glasgow Easterhouse and Springburn constituency. The ballots will be counted, but handed to police.

Plaid Cymru deputy leader declares historic election is 'battle for Wales' soul'

Plaid Cymru's deputy leader has said the Senedd election is a "battle for Wales' soul" in a dramatic declaration.

Delyth Jewell affirmed that her party's leader Rhun ap Iorwerth could unite Wales - and vowed there was a "distinct Welsh story emerging here".

She said: "Thousands of people will have put their faith in Plaid Cymru, not just as an idea of a vote against the parties, but a vote in favour of something better for this wonderful nation of Wales.

"And really, that Welsh voice has spoken. I think today we will find that, I feel hopeful, that we will find that we have spoken with a distinct accent."

​SNP Finance Secretary 'optimistic' of winning fifth consecutive Scottish Parliament election

SNP Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said her party is "optimistic" it will win its fifth Scottish Parliament election in a row.

Ms Robison, who is standing down from Holyrood, said the SNP would continue campaigning for independence if it falls short of a majority.

"We have fought hard in this campaign and have fought for every single vote – and we need to see what that adds up to today," she told BBC Radio Scotland.

"But we’re optimistic that we’ll win the election for the fifth time in a row, which would be absolutely unprecedented."

​Plaid Cymru source: 'Labour's collapsed'

A senior Plaid Cymru source has said the party is feeling positive despite it being early in the counting process.

Things are "looking good", the source told Wales Online before adding: "Labour's collapsed."

​Reform supporters show up to support Wales count

Reform supporters have turned up to support the party at a count in Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg, saying they are confident of getting at least two seats.

Paula King, a community councillor for St Athan Village, said: "I think Reform will do well.

"On the doorstep, people have been talking about immigration, which is not devolved, and the cost of living.

"I think we will do well and get one or two Senedd members, perhaps more. I think Plaid will do very well today."

PICTURED: Voting is underway in Scotland

Voting is underway in Scotland for the 2026 Holyrood elections. First results are expected around 1pm.

Greens eye up first Senedd hurdle as voting gets underway

The Greens have started to eye up the party's first Senedd hurdle while voting gets underway.

So far, Zack Polanski's party has never secured a Cardiff Bay seat - and a candidate is hoping to make history.

"We’re very encouraged by the polling, and seeing the vote share that we’re getting across England [in local elections there] just really demonstrates that," Greens' Ian Chandler told the BBC.

"As Zack Polanski said when he took over as leader, we’re here to replace Labour and it looks like that’s what we’re doing in many parts of the country."

And, when asked if a single seat would be a disappointment, Mr Chandler said that, six months ago, they would have "bitten your hand off".

Welsh Labour veteran calls on Keir Starmer to be 'far more radical'

A Welsh Labour veteran politician has called on Sir Keir Starmer to be "far more radical".

Former First Minister Carwyn Jones admitted that Labour was "no longer seen as the party of the working people", speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live.

He further cautioned activists against believing that a change of leadership was the "be-all and end-all".

The Labour First Minister, who was in office from 2009 to 2018, said: "We need to be far more radical, we need to be far more confident in the message that we're getting across. We've put ourselves in a position where we're no longer seen as the party of the working people."

Earlier he said: "I would caution people against thinking that simply changing a leader in London is the panacea, is the be-all and end-all.

"I don't think it's simply a question of 'if Keir Starmer goes everything will be fine'. It's not that easy."

Count gets underway across Scotland and Wales

The count is now underway across a number of local seats across Scotland and Wales.

However, certain Welsh seats will begin in 30 minutes.

Holyrood elections due to begin count imminently

Scottish voters shot off to the polls yesterday to cast their vote for 73 constituency representatives and a further 56 MSPs from eight regional lists.

Unlike previous elections, other than 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, votes will be counted today, with the final result likely to be known by late evening.

COUNTDOWN: Vote count in Wales to begin in just 30 minutes

Welsh voters across the region headed to the polls in what is expected to be a historic set of losses for Labour.

The count will begin at 9am.

Welsh Labour campaign chair admits 'always going to be a strong mood for change and frustration'

The Welsh Labour campaign chair has admitted there was "always going to be a strong mood for change and frustration" when Britons headed to the polls.

Giving an update after the polls closed at 10pm last night, he said: "We know this has been a tough election campaign, fought in difficult circumstances.

"After many years in Government in Wales, and with Labour now governing across the UK, there was always going to be a strong mood for change and frustration.

"The ongoing pressures people face from the cost of living are real and hurt deeply. We take that seriously. There were many tough messages heard on the doorstep."

"And in the days ahead, we will reflect carefully and listen with humility to what voters are telling us. There will be no dodging. No deflection. Just determination to put things right."

'Heated' row breaks out at Welsh polling station as locals issue plea

A "heated" row has broken out at a Welsh polling tation as locals have issued a plea with the electorate.

A resident, sharing an update on the local Facebook, shared: "About an hour ago I witnessed a heated argument between a woman in a black cap and the poll workers.

"Whatever your political persuasion, I think we can all agree to treat the poll workers with respect."

Labour's former Welsh counsel general admits 'change of leadership' could be on the cards

Labour's former Welsh counsel general has admitted that a "change of leadership" could be on the cards if the results are "as bad as predicted".

Mick Antoniw told BBC Wales the regional election appeared "more about Downing Street and immigration than Wales".

Asked about whether the set of elections could seal the fate of Sir Keir Starmer, he said: "If the results are as bad as predicted then there will have to be a change of leadership.

"Not an immediate departure but a planned, orderly and open transition and an open and transparent contest."

Leadership challenge must be 'on the agenda' if Labour is destroyed in Wales and Scotland

A leadership challenge must "on the agenda" if Labour has disastrous results in the Senedd and Holyrood elections, Labour MP John McDonnell said.

Asked if Sir Keir Starmer had to go, the former shadow chancellor said: "We will have to see when results are in and Wales and Scotland results may be more influential than council seats in England in shaping the party’s attitude to the future.

"If it is the nightmare as we are worried it will be, then there should be no precipitous coup."

Earlier today, Welsh Labour insiders said they were expecting "brutal" results in the Senedd, which has been held by Labour since its inception in 1999.

And in Holyrood, Labour is expected to have its worst results to date, falling to 17 seats, according to most recent YouGov polling.

Mr McDonnell added: "The party needs to consider why we are in this situation and that discussion should be at all levels of the party and consider all the issues, including why there have been so many policy mistakes alienating our support, but the leadership question has inevitably to be on the agenda.

"If there is to be a leadership change, it has to be an orderly transition, not a coup."

There have been talks of leadership challenges from the likes of former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and calls for Sir Keir to step down are likely to intensify after the results of the local elections.

Reminder: Almost 12 hours remain until results in Scotland and Wales

Those hoping for news of developments in Holyrood and Cardiff Bay will face a long wait - the first results in Scotland and Wales are expected in a little under 11 hours.

Counting is set to begin at 9am in both countries.

Then, at 3pm, the first results from 73 constituency seats and eight regions up for grabs in Scotland will start to come in.

The first declarations from Wales are also due around this time, where a new system of voting has been adopted that has seen the country divided into 16 super-constituencies, each of which sends six members to the Senedd, allocated proportionally according to the number of votes cast.

From this election forward, the Senedd will have 96 members, instead of 60.

Electoral Commission addresses 'deepfakes and intimidation' in Scotland and Wales 

Elections in Scotland, Wales and many parts of England "ran smoothly" with no "significant deepfakes" affecting the contests, although candidates “faced abuse and intimidation”, the Electoral Commission has said.

"Today, voters across England, Scotland and Wales went to the polls in the biggest set of elections since the 2024 general election. Voting took place at more than 17,000 polling places, and more than 25,000 candidates stood for election," chief executive Vijay Rangarajan said.

“Our initial assessment is that polling day ran smoothly. Polling station staff dealt with any issues swiftly without disrupting the poll. Millions of people were able to cast their votes, and people had access to clear, reliable information about how to take part. We have been alert to the spread of false information, including AI-generated content. Where false or misleading information emerged, we worked quickly with partners to address and remove it. We have not seen significant deepfakes affecting these elections.

“Election teams across England will count the votes and declare results in their area over the coming days. In Scotland and Wales, counting will begin in the morning. Candidates, party agents and independent observers will be present at counts across Great Britain at every stage.

“We will now gather evidence from voters, candidates, administrators and campaigners to inform our assessment of these elections. We will look at voter satisfaction, the integrity of the polls, and the prevalence and impact of mis and disinformation.

“We will also look at the safety of those who stood for and ran in these elections. As in previous elections, we know some candidates have faced abuse and intimidation during their campaign. This comes at a great personal cost and damages our democracy. We will publish our findings in the autumn.”

Labour suffers 'awful' polling day as party braces for Plaid Cymru and Reform UK double blow

Senior Welsh Labour figures have said the polling day was "awful" as it prepares for losses from both Reform UK and Plaid Cymru.

One Labour insider admitted Plaid Cymru's messaging of being the only party that could beat Reform had cut into their electorate.

"I've never known anything like it. We've been knocking on the doors of people who've consistently voted Labour in the past only to find the vast majority have voted Plaid, Reform, Green or importantly stayed at home," Labour sources told BBC Wales.

"The Plaid message 'we're the only party to stop Reform' has really cut through.

"But Reform have also cashed in big time on disillusionment with Keir Starmer and our Labour government."

Reform currently hold two seats within the Senedd - both former members of the Conservatives in Wales - but the party is projected to earn 34 seats, just behind Plaid Cymru with 43, according to the most recent YouGov polling.

Reform UK said: "We're proud to have run a campaign based on putting the Welsh people first."

Labour gears up to lose control of Wales - with 'succession plans in progress for Eluned Morgan'

Labour officials in Wales are said to have held discussions about a succession plan for First Minister Baroness Morgan if she loses her seat.

The party has been locked in talks over appointing an interim party leader should the FM be forced out, The Times reports.

Those running in safer seats have reportedly been approached about taking on the role on a part-time basis so a leadership battle can take place in the months to come.

Labour sources, meanwhile, are bracing for the party to lose power in Wales for the first time since devolution.

Welsh Labour insiders admit: 'We're f***ed' - as speculation grows over First Minister's 'Portillo moment'

Welsh Labour insiders have shared a damning series of assessments of their party's performance as polls closed this evening.

"Reality is setting in and it is going to be brutal," one told Sky News, with another adding: "We are absolutely f***ed."

And First Minister Baroness Morgan could even be in store for a "Portillo moment".

"I think she’ll be very lucky if she does get in," one source said.

On the record, Welsh Labour's official statement reads gloomily.

Campaign chairman Huw Irranca-Davies said the party faced a “tough election campaign” under “difficult circumstances”.

“In the days ahead, we will reflect carefully and listen with humility to what voters are telling us. There will be no dodging. No deflection. Just determination to put things right," he said.

“Throughout this campaign, Eluned Morgan has shown positive, energetic and determined leadership in very difficult times."

RECAP: Welsh political leaders issue statements as polls close

Party leaders in Wales have issued statements after polls closed on Thursday.

Reform UK's Wales leader Dan Thomas hailed his party's Welsh campaign, saying: "What a campaign. Thank you to all our candidates, volunteers and supporters."

Meanwhile, Welsh Labour has also released a statement, saying: "Thank you to everyone who who came out to support Welsh Labour today," the party said.

"Let's deliver the next chapter for Wales together."

But Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth appeared bullish after last-minute polls tipped his party to take in a surge in support late in the campaign - and his words appeared to reflect that.

"Thanks to each and every one of you for the support, the encouragement and the statements of confidence in Plaid Cymru's vision for the future of our nation," he said.

"In campaign time, your commitment and your willingness to go the extra mile for Wales means so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

RECAP: Scottish political leaders issue statements as polls close

Party leaders in Scotland have been coy so far on the results of today's crunch Holyrood election.

As polls closed at 10pm, leaders released statements thanking their campaigners - though none appeared to give away any results, as they have done south of the border.

SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney said: “I am incredibly proud of the positive, ambitious campaign the SNP has run over the last six weeks.

“And I am proud that we are the only party to have run a truly national campaign – we have been active and campaigning in every part of Scotland.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has said: "To every Scottish Labour candidate, activist and volunteer across Scotland - thank you."

He added they had run a "positive campaign focused on hope, change and the future Scotland deserves."

Tory leader Russell Findlay said: “As the polls close, I want to thank all the Scottish Conservative candidates, activists and volunteers who have worked tirelessly across Scotland to get our message out over this campaign.

“I am proud of our manifesto we produced which was full of ambitious policies to get Scotland working again after two decades of SNP failure.”

And Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said: “The Scottish Greens are grateful to everyone who has put their trust in us and backed our positive and hopeful vision for Scotland.

“We are also grateful to everyone who has made this election possible, including everyone who will be working and volunteering at the counts.”

How does the Senedd election work?

This year's Senedd election differed from previous years, with the Welsh Parliament expanding and a new proportional voting system being introduced.

There are 16 constituencies in Wales, with each represented by six members of the Senedd, resulting in a total of 96 being elected.

Under the new system, the number of candidates elected from each party will be based on the percentage of votes the party receives, and they will be elected in order from a list compiled by their party.

Ballot papers will be counted during the daytime on Friday, with the first results expected in the early afternoon and the final declarations due in the evening.

How does the Holyrood election work?

Under the Scottish Parliament’s electoral system, voters elect 73 constituency representatives and a further 56 MSPs from eight regional lists.

Unlike previous elections, other than 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, votes will be counted on Friday rather than overnight, with the final result likely to be known by late Friday evening.