Wales has spoken: Yes for more powers

Cardiff finally celebrated a strong Yes vote in the referendum for further Welsh Assembly powers despite a poor turnout and bureaucratic problems.

Just 31.3 per cent of registered electors voted and Cardiff was last to announce its results, but those who voted came out strongly in favour of making Wales able to pass laws in devolved areas without Westminster’s approval.

The Cardiff result - a 61.39% majority - was announced late after a partial recount and software problems at the Senedd, which must officially accept the count.

Cardiff Council leader Rodney Berman said: “It will allow Wales to assert itself more and be able to have control of our own affairs. We will stop wasting time and arguing between politicians in the Bay and Westminster on points of technicality.

“Those who chose not to vote have effectively said they are happy for others to make the decisions.”

It was a strong Yes vote, particularly in Southern parts of the area.

Vaughan Gething, Labour candidate for Cardiff South and Penarth, said: "People do understand that this referendum makes use of the Assembly’s powers to better defend Wales.

"I don’t think there’s any mistake about the result in South Cardiff - this is due to the reaction against the Tories.”

He also said broadcasters and national newspapers could have done more to publicise the referendum.

A national swing for the Yes campaign contrasts the results of the 1997 referendum on devolution, where the Yes scraped through with 50.1 per cent nationally, and 55.6 per cent voted No in Cardiff.

Some areas, strongly opposed to a Yes in 1997, saw large swings in favour of greater devolution. Pembrokeshire saw 57.2 per cent reject devolution in the past, but today 54.98 per cent voted in favour of it.

Powys, which saw 57.3 per cent reject devolution in 1997, had a Yes vote of 51.64 per cent.

But in some areas turnout was extremely low. Just 31.3 per cent of Cardiff voters made it to the ballot. In Neath Port Talbot, turnout was 27 per cent.

But the Yes vote was not unanimous. In Monmouthshire, a No vote passed with 50.64 per cent.

Mark Drakeford, a Labour activist and Yes campaigner, said: “ It was always going to be a bit of a struggle, because of the time of year, and also the nature of the question.

“What we see is a great rise in the reputation of the Assembly. Not the Government, but the institution.”

Jayne Cowan, who opposed the Yes along with her fellow independent councillors from Rhiwbina, said: “More expenditure could take place on administrative duties and possibly more AMs.

“The Assembly hasn't delivered for Wales and this was not the time to ask for direct powers to be made in Wales.

“There is a low turnout as the Assembly have failed to engage with the electorate and there is no enthusiasm about the work of the Assembly in many parts of Wales.”

Sian Anne Cliff, Liberal Democrat for Cardiff South and Penarth and Yes supporter, said: “This is going to be very positive for Wales. Our schools and hospitals are behind and we need these new powers to turn that around.”