Labour just about holds on in Wales

Labour has suffered bruising losses in Wales, but the Conservatives failed to make as many gains as expected.

First Minister and Welsh Labour leader Carwyn Jones saw his party lose control of Bridgend, the area he represents in the Assembly, after losing 10 seats.

The party was also dealt a severe blow in the south Wales valleys, with independents taking control of Blaenau Gwent, and in Merthyr Tydfil, the Labour council leader was defeated.

Labour fared better in other areas – retaining overall control of Cardiff, Swansea, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Newport and Neath Port Talbot councils and winning the same number of seats as it held previously on both Wrexham and Flintshire councils, both of which remained under no overall control.

One political expert said Labour had shown “resilience” in Wales, but it would be different for the general election when it was Theresa May versus Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Jones said: “Welsh Labour candidates and activists can be incredibly proud of themselves today – they fought another tough election, and once again defied the odds.

“The Tories had been briefing that they’d be walking into power right across Wales this morning – that simply has not happened.

“People realise that only Welsh Labour will stand up for Wales and we thank them once again for that trust.”

Carwyn Jones.