Scotland and Wales elections: Welsh Labour admits: 'We're f***ed' - while anxiety grows in Holyrood as polls close

Labour is bracing for heavy losses in Scotland and Wales as the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru surge.

In Scotland, all 129 seats were up for election at Holyrood while voters in Wales have voted to decide the 96 members of the Senedd.

Wales is expected to see a straight fight between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, with a chance Labour First Minister Eluned Morgan could lose her seat in Mid and West Wales.

Meanwhile, things are looking brighter for First Minister John Swinney, who is looking to maintain the SNP's grip on Holyrood - where it has been the largest party since 2007.

The fate of Reform UK Scotland remains yet to be seen, but Lord Offord's party has been polling well for the first time at Holyrood and looks poised to win at least a dozen seats.

One of the key battles taking place north of the border is between Lord Offord’s party and Anas Sarwar's Scottish Labour for second place.

Leader of the Welsh Green Party Anthony Slaughter is looking to become the first ever Senedd member for his party as Zack Polanski's party is looking to make gains across the UK.

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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."

Recap: Welsh Labour leader admits Keir Starmer is ‘an issue on the doorstep’ as party braces for heavy losses

Two days ago, Baroness Morgan of Ely, leader of Welsh Labour, said Sir Keir Starmer had been an "issue on the doorstep" during their campaign.

Asked if protest votes against the Prime Minister could hand power to rival parties, she told The Telegraph: "There is a danger that could happen."

And when asked if Sir Keir and his handling of the Lord Mandelson scandal affected voters, she responded: "Of course there are times when he comes up as an issue on the doorstep."

She did not, however, go as far as to call for his resignation, adding that it "isn't a time" to "pick a fight".

Despite her consistent campaigning that Sir Keir was "not on the ballot paper", it appears the party is likely to lose control of the Senedd for the first time since its creation, with the party's vote share projected to fall to 12 per cent.

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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."

Plaid Cymru appears bullish after pollsters suggest last-minute surge in support

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth appeared bullish on Thursday evening as polls closed in Wales.

Aggregate Senedd voting intention polls had 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."

Late on in the race for the Senedd, both Plaid and Reform UK had ticked up in the polls to 31.2 and 28.4 per cent respectively, while all of Labour, the Tories and Greens endured a late sink.

It remains to be seen just how that will play out as declarations are made in the hours to come.

Welsh Labour: 'Let's deliver the next chapter together'

Welsh Labour has also released a statement following the close of voting on Thursday.

"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."

Reform UK Wales leader hails campaign as polls close

Reform UK's Wales leader Dan Thomas has hailed his party's Welsh campaign as polls closed across the country.

"What a campaign," he said. "Thank you to all our candidates, volunteers and supporters."

Anas Sarwar shares statement as polls close

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has broken his silence on the results of today's election.

"To every Scottish Labour candidate, activist and volunteer across Scotland - thank you," he said.

"We've run a positive campaign focused on hope, change and the future Scotland deserves.

"And to everyone who voted for change - thank you for putting your trust in Scottish Labour. From every leaflet delivered to every door knocked, you’ve carried our message with pride and determination. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

Scottish party leaders coy on results of knife-edge Holyrood election

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’s deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “We ran an ambitious campaign and we are proud of it.

“We have championed a serious plan and have put forward a serious and credible candidate for First Minister, Anas Sarwar.”

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.