17/5/2007

Prospects of a "rainbow coalition" of Plaid Cymru, Tories and Lib Dems in the Welsh Assembly, with Labour left outside in the cold, seemed closer today.

Tory Assembly Leader Nick Bourne said an approach had been made to his party by Plaid Cymru for preliminary discussions about the possible form of the next Assembly Government.

"I can confirm that preliminary talks have already taken place," said Mr Bourne.

"The stability and credibility of the Assembly, and the delivery of policies that will make a positive difference to the lives of people across Wales, remain our key concerns.

"Welsh Conservatives have always said that we would be willing to work in government with parties other than Labour to achieve that."

The Asembly elections finished with the following result:

Labour: 26 seats
Plaid Cymru: 15
Conservatives: 12
Liberal Democrats: 6
Independent: 1

If a new first minister is not appoined by the end of May Wales faces the prospect of a new election.