Wales' new first minister should make 'controversial decisions', says Guto Harri

Wales' new first minister should be brave and make "controversial decisions" now if he is to capitalise on Plaid Cymru's election success, says Boris Johnson's former adviser.

Rhun ap Iorwerth is a "decent man with good instincts", said Guto Harri, but needs to be prepared to "upset" some people in order to tackle Wales' challenges.

Speaking to BBC Wales at Hay Festival, Harri added that decisions would need to be taken now to bear fruit by the next Senedd election.

"And I wouldn't want to see Plaid Cymru going back to the electorate in four years with nothing having changed," he said.

Harri was Downing Street's director of communications during Boris Johnson's time in office, having also worked for the former Conservative leader when he was Mayor of London.

Asked whether he had any words of advice for the new first minister, Harri said: "I've known Rhun ap Iorwerth for a long time.

"He's a decent man, with good instincts and he's a superb communicator.

"But the crucial thing is that he makes those important, controversial decisions now.

"Because from my experience, you have to pull those levers quickly now for anything to happen in two, three, four years. So don't waste a day – get on it now.

"You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs, and you can't make a change in Wales without upsetting somebody. Pick the battles you're prepared to have."

On Thursday Harri chaired a discussion at the literature festival in Hay-on-Wye on the recent Senedd election – something he admits would not have happened in previous years.

"I've been fortunate enough to be involved in the Hay Festival for a number of decades and I love it," he said.

"But the sad thing is that Welsh politics hasn't been remotely interesting for the global audience that comes to a place like this because the same team always won the race, which wasn't that interesting.

"Welsh politics now is not only fresh different, there's a vibe, energy. There's a lot to talk about, and the implications for Westminster politics are vast."