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The people of Wales have Overthrown Labour rule in a democratic revolution, and the party's shaken supporters will blame Sir Keir Starmer for this monumental defeat. There has never been a non-Labour first minister since the era of self-government began in 1999. But Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth will now lead a nation which has seized the chance to give the Labour machine a historic hammering.

The collapse in support for Labour is as bold as it is brutal. Back in July 2024, Labour won 27 of the 32 Westminster constituencies. Since then, Sir Keir and Rachel Reeves have managed to anger and alienate voters throughout Wales who have rushed to vote for Plaid or for Reform UK. Labour's Baroness Morgan - the first woman to lead the Senedd - lost her seat. She has every reason to feel let down by Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Not only did the duo in Downing Street unleash hideously unpopular policies such as cutting back entitlement for pensioners' fuel support, but the Government they led also slammed the door on top Welsh asks on issues such as transport, the crown estate and policing. This made it hard for Baroness Morgan to argue it was in Wales' interests to have a Labour Government at both ends of the M4.

That is not to deny that the Labour Welsh Government did not make mistakes. There is huge concern about the state of health and education after more than a quarter of a century of Labour rule; 20mph default speed limits were hugely controversial, and Baroness Morgan's predecessor was forced out following outcry over donations.

But the final weeks of the campaign unfolded with the Sir Keir-generated Mandelson scandal playing out. And in Plaid's Mr Iorwerth, she faced a former television presenter nicknamed "Kennedy Cymru" for his charisma, which contrasted sharply with the Prime Minister's stolid performances.

Welsh voters have swung behind parties offering very different visions for the future. Plaid epitomises soft-Left eco-friendly progressivism and cherishes the ancient language and the dream of an independent Wales; Reform promises a nation still wounded by the collapse of heavy industry and beset with underperforming public services, and an agenda of muscular pragmatism.

This is more than a political defeat for Labour. It is the untethering of bonds of loyalty to Labour which have seen the party come first in every general election for more than a century.

The sight of Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni electing three Plaid and three Reform members is staggering. A former Labour heartland has turned its back on the party of Aneurin Bevan.

If people who voted for Plaid and Reform this week do the same in the next Westminster election, then UK Labour will find it even harder to secure a majority.

No matter how long Sir Keir survives in post, the loss of Wales will be a devastating aspect of his legacy. Scottish Labour has never returned to power since the SNP edged it out in 2007, and there is no guarantee Welsh voters will give the red team another chance.