The leader of the Welsh Conservative Party, Darren Millar, has stirred up considerable interest in the political landscape with his recent statements regarding potential alliances. This was emphasized during his appearance on the BBC Radio Wales Breakfast show, where Millar expressed his willingness to collaborate with anyone to unseat the current Labour government in Cardiff Bay. His comments reflect a strategic approach as he prepares for the upcoming Senedd elections scheduled for May 2026.
In response to direct questions about forming partnerships with the Reform Party or Plaid Cymru, Millar refrained from explicitly ruling out cooperation with either. This ambiguous stance indicates an openness to unconventional political alliances that could redefine the traditional boundaries of collaboration in Welsh politics. Millar characterized his party as a “government in waiting,” highlighting a sense of readiness and determination to regain influence after the Conservatives were previously relegated to fourth place in opinion polls, trailing behind Labour, Reform UK, and Plaid Cymru. The party’s recent electoral history also reflects its challenges, having lost all Welsh Members of Parliament in the last general election.
Current projections suggest that no single party will emerge with an outright majority following the next elections, thereby necessitating coalition-building among parties to form a governing body. Millar’s remarks on the need to collaborate are crucial in this context, as they underline the shifting dynamics within the Welsh political arena where coalition politics may become increasingly prevalent and necessary to achieve governance.
However, forming an alliance with parties like Reform or Plaid Cymru poses internal challenges for Millar and the Conservatives, particularly given Plaid’s pro-independence stance. This could lead to friction within the party, with traditionalists likely to resist any perceived compromise on fundamental Conservative principles. Millar reiterated his commitment to work with “anybody” to end what he described as the “failing Labour government,” emphasizing his focus on unifying forces against a common adversary. His bold statements serve to rally support both within the party and among potential allies who may share a similar goal of dismantling Labour’s long-standing dominance in Wales.
Furthermore, Millar’s comments hint at a broader dissatisfaction with the Labour government’s performance, signaling that many constituents may feel disenfranchised by the current state of governance. With devolution being scrutinized, Millar’s assertions that “devolution has failed” resonate with critics who argue that the Labour government has not adequately addressed the needs and concerns of Welsh citizens over time.
During the Conservative Party’s conference in Llangollen, where Millar spoke, several policies were unveiled, including commitments to reduce NHS waiting times to a maximum of one year and the reinstatement of home economics in schools. This proactive policy framework is a crucial part of Millar’s strategy to position the Welsh Conservatives as a viable alternative, capable of delivering on key issues affecting the electorate.
The internal rift within the party also cannot be overlooked; some grassroots members feel alienated, particularly those who oppose devolution and perceive their views as marginalized within the party structure. This tension highlights the complex landscape that Millar must navigate—balancing appeals to diverse factions while trying to forge a cohesive electoral strategy.
In contrast, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has made its own overtures for collaboration, stating a willingness to engage with other parties to form a governing coalition in Wales. However, this sentiment is met with caution from the current leadership of the Conservative Party, with questions lingering over the possibility of formal alliances in light of historical rivalries.
As Welsh politics continue to evolve, Millar’s approach could mark a significant shift in aligning various political forces to potentially reshape power dynamics in Cardiff Bay. The responses to his open stance regarding partnerships will likely be closely monitored as the political atmosphere heats up leading to the 2026 elections.