The Senedd election is just weeks away, but how many people could name any of the people in the running to be First Minister?
Joseph Gough
13:02, 14 Apr 2026Updated 13:03, 14 Apr 2026
Can you name Wales’ political leaders?
The Senedd election on May 7 look set to be historic. If the polls are right, Welsh Labour could lose power after 27 years in charge — something that once felt almost unthinkable in Welsh politics.
Polling released in March for ITV Wales, carried out by YouGov, shows just how much things have changed. Plaid Cymru led with around 33% of the vote, with Reform UK on 27%, while Welsh Labour dropped to just 13%.
But while the numbers show a clear shift in support for parties, a recent Cardiff University and YouGov survey found that only 1% of people in Wales could correctly identify who is responsible for key policy areas, between UK and Welsh governments.
And when it comes to leaders specifically, the gap is just as stark.
Polling by YouGov for the same survey of 1,544 people between February 12-19 this year showed just 62% recognised First Minister Eluned Morgan and 47% recognised Rhun ap Iorwerth.
Awareness of other leaders is markedly lower: Darren Millar (Welsh Conservatives) 21%, Jane Dodds (Welsh Liberal Democrats) 18%, Anthony Slaughter (Wales Green Party) 4%.
Whereas Nigel Farage (Reform UK) is almost universally recognised (94%), Dan Thomas, Reform’s new leader in Wales, is known by 10% although he had only been appointed just days earlier. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
That low recognition seen in the Cardiff University was reflected on the streets of Cardiff city centre.
We asked people on St Mary Street if they could name all six party leaders — and found none of those we asked could.
Some people did say things like “that Plaid guy”, “isn’t she the First Minister?”, or “that Green bloke”, yet no one could name all six leaders when showed photographs of them side by side.
The six people in the running to be First Minister
Eluned Morgan – Welsh Labour
Current First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour, Eluned Morgan took over the role in 2024 after spells in the Welsh Government. She is also a member of the House of Lords and former Member of the European Parliament.
Rhun ap Iorwerth – Plaid Cymru
Leader of Plaid Cymru since 2023, Rhun ap Iorwerth is the main challenger to Labour and could become Wales’ first nationalist First Minister.
Darren Millar – Welsh Conservatives
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar headed the Conservative group in the Senedd in the last parliament.
Dan Thomas – Reform UK
Leader of Reform UK in Wales, Dan Thomas was unveiled as the party’s first Welsh leader by Nigel Farage in February.
Jane Dodds – Welsh Liberal Democrats
Jane Dodds is the Welsh Liberal Democrat leader and has been a long-standing figure in Welsh politics, often focusing on local and rural issues.
Anthony Slaughter – Wales Green Party
Leader of the Wales Green Party, Anthony Slaughter is on course to be the party’s first elected representative in the Senedd
.