The Politics of Co-Opposition

John Osmond was a Special Advisor to then Plaid Cymru leader in 2021 and at the centre of the negotiations that led to an agreement unique in British politics inspired by non-coalition precedents in Sweden, New Zealand and Malaysia and is known by political scientists as ‘Contract Parliamentarianism’.

The Cooperation Agreement that was signed by Mark Drakeford and Adam Price lasted until mid 2024 and delivered policies for both parties such as Senedd Reform and free school meals but it was not without tensions inside both parties and the Senedd itself.

John has recently published a book about his experiences inside the Plaid Cymru negotiation team that details the personal and political influences on the agreement and looks at its impact on Welsh politics.

The Wales Governance Centre is delighted to host this discussion between Professor Richard Wyn Jones and John Osmond as part of our commitment to disseminating knowledge and informing public debate about Welsh politics.