Labour heading for ‘crushing defeat’ in Wales – here’s why

• Labour is anticipating a significant defeat in the Welsh local elections, following poor results in England overnight.
• Despite a century of dominance in Wales, senior Labour figures admit the party faced a 'tough election campaign' under 'difficult circumstances'.
• Sir Keir Starmer has taken responsibility for the challenging local election outcomes in England, where many Labour councillors lost their seats.
• A Labour source indicated a 'collapsed' vote in areas like Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni, with First Minister Baroness Eluned Morgan also at risk of losing her seat.
• Huw Irranca-Davies, Welsh Labour campaign chairman, acknowledged a 'strong mood for change and frustration' among voters due to the cost of living crisis, while Plaid Cymru and Reform have topped opinion polls.

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