Liberal Democrats backed away from the Rainbow Coalition to govern in the Welsh Assembly when a vote on the deal in their national executive was tied after three hours of talks.
It means that the party's six AMs will 'sit on their hands' when a new First Minster is nominated in the Senedd.
Labour now has it all to play for once more.
Plaid (15) + Conservatives (12) = 27.
Labour = 26.
How will Independent AM for Blaenau Gwent Trish Law vote?
Will Plaid's hierarchy even endorse a coalition with the Tories alone?
Or is Rhodri Morgan heading for minority government? (Oh, yes he is.)
This is exciting stuff!
MIDNIGHT UPDATE: Angry Plaid leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "Liberal Democrats have tonight turned their backs on their duty to the people of Wales and have shown absolute contempt for the electorate.
"It was as a result of their decision to suspend talks with Labour that Plaid was required to offer an alternative government.
"The Liberal Democrats have now shown that they are unable to take serious decisions, and are undeserving of government.
"The proposed coalition between Plaid, Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats is now dead. We will reflect on tonight's decision and the Assembly group will meet tomorrow to discuss what happens next."
Welshspin wrote...
You really couldn't! The myopia of Wales' Lib Dems just makes you weep for the state of Welsh politics. To see the heirs of Gladstone and Lloyd George, to see people whose bottom line was introducing PR to more Welsh bodies abdicating responsibility for the result of a PR system! By ruling out both potential combinations that could have provided a secure, stable government for Wales they are condemning us to the worst of all worlds - a minority Labour government that can't actually govern!
All because they are too blind to see beyond their chances in a few council seats next year!
Jesus wept !!!
Posted by: Welshspin | May 23, 2007 11:37 PM