Devolution in Wales: A Success or a Failure?

Devolution in Wales has been a contentious issue since its inception and public opinion remains divided on its success. Our polling reveals that only 17% of respondents believe devolution has been a success, while 35% see it as a failure. However, the majority of voters (39%) view it as neither a success nor a failure, highlighting widespread uncertainty about its impact.

Green voters (67%) are the party whose voters overwhelmingly think devolution has been a success. Perhaps reflecting their belief that local governance allows for more ambitious environmental policies tailored to Wales’ needs. Devolution has enabled the Senedd to lead the UK in green initiatives, such as introducing the plastic bag levy before Westminster adopted it and committing to sustainability through the Well-being of Future Generations Act. With devolved powers allowing Wales to set its own environmental targets, such as aiming for an 80% carbon emissions reduction by 2050, Green voters likely see devolution as a necessary framework for long-term climate action.

However, this is where the support for Devolution stops. Although other left leaning parties, Labour (33%) and Plaid Cymru (34%) are more favourable to devolution than those on the right, the majority view it as neither a success or failure. Reform UK (52%) and Conservatives (50%) voters overwhelmingly consider devolution a failure, aligning with their broader skepticism of regional governance.

There are also differences in gender with men (41%) viewing it as a failure compared to 29% of women. However, across all age groups, people are either indifferent about devolution or view it as a failure including 36% of those in the aged 18-24, perhaps signalling their disillusionment with the whole system.

Power Struggles: Cardiff vs. Westminster

One of the key criticisms of devolution is that local leaders aren’t given enough power or responsibility to actually implement policies. Our poll shows that the majority of Welsh voters believe that the Prime Minister has more power and responsibility when it comes to Wales (59%) but the majority feel that the First Minister of Wales and the Senned should have the most power and responsibility (45%). However, this result is contentious as 40% still favour Westminster. Parties on the left, Green (89%), Labour (52%) and Plaid Cymru (50%) and Labour (52%) supporters, alongside voters in the 25-64 age group believe that the First Minister of Wales and the Senedd should have more power and responsibility. However, Reform (50%) and Conservative (47%) supporters prefer Westminster control, reflecting their doubts about the Senedd’s effectiveness.

Do the Parties Have a Clear Platform for Wales?

Another key criticism of devolution is that Welsh political parties lack distinct policy agendas separate from UK-wide politics. When asked whether the main parties have a clear platform for Wales, the results suggest a lack of confidence in most parties’ ability to address specifically Welsh concerns.

• Plaid Cymru is the only party that a majority (52%) believe has a clear agenda for Wales, consistent with its focus on Welsh independence and national identity.
• Labour, despite being the dominant party in the Senedd, is seen as lacking a defined Welsh policy, with only 27% saying it has a clear platform.
• The Conservatives perform worse, with just 23% seeing a clear Welsh agenda, while 54% believe the party lacks a coherent plan for Wales.
• Reform UK, despite its rising profile, struggles even more, with only 24% believing it has a Welsh-specific platform, while 52% say it does not.

This lack of clear Welsh-focused platforms raises concerns that apart from Plaid Cymru, the major parties are simply adapting national policy rather than addressing Wales’s unique political, economic and social issues.

The debate over Welsh devolution remains unresolved. While some see it as an opportunity for greater self-governance, many remain skeptical of its effectiveness. Support is strongest among left-leaning and pro-environment voters, while right-leaning parties and older demographics favour Westminster control. Adding to this uncertainty, most parties, except Plaid Cymru, fail to convince voters that they have a clear plan for Wales. As the 2026 Senedd election approaches, the challenge for all political parties will be to prove whether devolution can truly deliver for Wales or if public skepticism will continue to grow.

Download the data tables for this poll.