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Labour, Lib Dems form coalition government in Wales after Plaid Cymru deal

Carwyn Jones secures another term as First Minister

Carwyn Jones.
Carwyn Jones. Author: National Assembly for Wales
LabourandLiberal Democrats have formed a coalition government inWalesafterthe former reached an agreement with main opposition party Plaid Cymru.First MinisterCarwynJones (Labour) will thus be able to remain the headoftheWelshgovernment. The only Lib Dem AM, Kirsty Williams, joins the Labour-led executive as secretary of Education.

Plaid will not join the government, although the pro-independence party has reached a parliamentary agreement with Labour whereby the two parties will coordinate in three liaison: financial, legislative and constitutional. The pact foresees the implementation of a package of social measures, and further envisages the creation of a Welsh development bank.

The two parties also "committed to working positively together in the next six weeks to secure a “Remain” vote in the European referendum" to be held on June 23.

Labour Party emerged once more as Wales's largest party on June 5 election, but fell short of an absolute majority, securing 29 of 60 seats in the National Assembly for Wales. Plaid got 12, the Conservative Party 11, UKIP 7 and the Liberal Democrats 1.