First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond has congratulated Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones on Plaid’s decision to approve the “One Wales” document, which will see them become a party of government in a coalition with Labour. Labour in Wales also approved the agreement over the weekend.

At a special party conference in Cardiff on Friday, delegates of the Labour party agreed to the coalition proposal by 78.43 per cent to 21.57 per cent.

A day later, Plaid agreed the deal, with 92 per cent of delegates to the national council meeting in Pontrhydfendigaid, Ceredigion, agreeing to the One Wales proposals. Wyn Jones will be deputy to First Minister Rhodri Morgan, and other Plaid AMs will join the cabinet.

The agreement includes a commitment to both parties campaigning for a Yes vote in a referendum for more powers for the Welsh Assembly, to be held within the 4-year term.

Salmond said: “I warmly congratulate Plaid Cymru on becoming a party of government, and striking an agreement which enables the people of Wales to move forward.

“Plaid’s success underlines the utterly changed political landscape of these islands. As a result of the positive events of the last few weeks in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are now seven political parties in government in the UK.

“This diversity is to be welcomed, and also reinforces the case for there to be formal mechanisms for dialogue across the different administrations.

“Welsh Labour’s agreement to campaign for a Yes vote in a referendum does indicate an ability to draw lessons from the election result and move on – something that the Labour Party in Scotland have shown a singular inability to do.”