Where next for Welsh Labour

The Welsh Labour Government's popularity has risen, so the pollsters tell us, from 36% favourable to 65% favourable, since March.

Given that this period has been dominated by the covid pandemic, it can be assumed that the rise in popularity is due to their handling of the crisis.

So what next.  When covid doesn't dominate, when the economy needs to be rebuilt, when the health service and education become priorities again.

It has to be said, the record over the last 20 years of devolution hasn't been great and things are set to be a lot worse.

How the Welsh government goes forward will define their future and that of Wales.

The handling of the pandemic has suited their style of government, slow, methodical and not requiring much imagination.

Going forward that won't do. They should be looking, not at the 65% favourable now, but at the 36% favourable polling before the pandemic. That was the true picture and they have to ask themselves why they are regarded so unfavorably in their handling of the economy, health, education and so on, for that is their future problems.

They have had problems in connecting with the UK government throughout the covid crisis. Worryingly the First Minister made light of the fact.  He has done Wales no favours in that attitude. The lack of cooperation, shares of resources and money to reflect Wales unique problems, has cost Wales even to the extent of suffering more deaths.

The relationship with the UK government, and its clear English bias , is the norm and is set to continue.

It would be foolish to think that Wales will magically become a priority or even less of an afterthought, even with a change of party in Westminster.

The future is going to be difficult and will require a different leadership with the imagination to make different innovative and perhaps confrontational decisions than in the past. A dynamic Government prepared to stand up for Wales.

Wales hasn't had full support from Westminster, nor has it had the chance to reach its potential as a Nation. The money directed to Wales during thee pandemic is only it's share of a policy primely to support England. So no more nonsense about how Westminster is supporting the Welsh economy. 

Wales needs, deserves, a leadership that will stand up for Wales and, yes, to stand up to Westminster.

The time for wringing of hands and complaining is over.

The First Minister, Mark Drakeford, has repeated throughout the present crisis, that all his decisions have been directed first and foremost by the needs of Wales.

The people of Wales trust that this continues to be the priority going forward. 

If not then reaching that 36%  favourable standing will be an ambition that Welsh Labour will only dream of.