Eluned Morgan has been officially announced as the new leader of Welsh Labour, succeeding Vaughan Gething, the party has confirmed. She is on track to become Wales’ first female First Minister, a groundbreaking development for the nation.
Morgan’s ascent to leadership comes after a leadership contest in which she stood unopposed, following Gething’s resignation. His departure was prompted by the resignations of three ministers and his chief legal adviser. Morgan has garnered overwhelming support from Labour members within the Welsh Parliament.
At 57 years old, Cardiff-born Morgan brings a wealth of experience to her new role, including her previous positions as a Member of the European Parliament and a life peer. Since the 2021 election, she has been responsible for overseeing the Welsh health service.
Morgan’s primary focus will be on healing the divisions within the Welsh Labour group, which has experienced significant internal strife since Gething’s election last March. Huw Irranca-Davies, a supporter of Jeremy Miles in the previous leadership race against Gething, is expected to serve as her deputy.
Gething will remain in his position as First Minister until Morgan’s confirmation is ratified by a Senedd vote. This vote is anticipated to take place once the Senedd is recalled from its summer recess, although the exact date is yet to be decided.
Commenting on the announcement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Eluned Morgan is already “making history”:
“Congratulations to Eluned Morgan, Welsh Labour’s newly elected leader. Eluned brings a wealth of experience and track-record of delivery — as the first woman to lead Welsh Labour, she is already making history. I look forward to working with Eluned to deliver change for Wales.”
What are other parties saying?
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the new leader of Welsh Labour Eluned Morgan to rebuild trust in Welsh politics.
Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds MS has congratulated Eluned Morgan on becoming Welsh Labour leader, stating that she was “delighted to see another woman leading the way in Welsh politics.”
The Mid and West Wales MS also called on the new Welsh Labour leader to rebuild the trust lost in the party amongst both the Senedd and the Welsh public following recent events.
The Welsh Lib Dems have stated that they will be pushing the new Welsh government to ensure that everyone in Wales can easily access healthcare services when they need it, as well as calling for an expansion of the Welsh child care offer and highlighting issues affecting rural communities.
Commenting, the Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:
“I would first like to congratulate Eluned Morgan on her successful nomination as the leader of Welsh Labour, it would be a fantastic achievement to be the first female First Leader and I am delighted to see another woman leading the way in Welsh politics.
“It is now up to both Eluned and Welsh Labour to re-earn the trust of both the Senedd and, most importantly, the people of Wales.
“The last few months of Welsh Labour scandals and in-fighting has been an unhelpful distraction from resolving the challenges facing Wales.
“Unfortunately, these recent events have undoubtedly undermined trust in Welsh politics. Welsh Labour must realise that they can no longer take the Welsh electorate for granted, trust must be earned.
“I will be pushing the new Welsh government to ensure that everyone can get access to an NHS doctor, GP or dentist when and where they need one.
“I will also be fighting to expand the Welsh childcare offer to support working parents, tackling child poverty, and addressing the concerns of rural communities.
“We as the Welsh Liberal Democrats will also continue to call for a £10,000 cap on individual political donations, an important first step towards cleaning up our politics.”
Responses from businesses in Wales
Ian Price, Director, CBI Wales, said:
“CBI Wales congratulates Eluned Morgan on becoming Labour leader and First Minister-elect. With renewed political stability, the Welsh Government can work with business to tackle the key issues holding back the economy, including funding for apprenticeships, skills and reskilling, while it partners with the new UK Government to build a sustainable economy.”
Responding to the news that Baroness Eluned Morgan MS is the new Welsh Labour Leader, Ben Francis, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses in Wales (FSB), said:
“FSB Wales congratulate Eluned Morgan on becoming the new Welsh Labour leader.
“Small businesses have experienced an extended period of difficult economic conditions but now there is a chance to drive forward the change needed to build a thriving and diverse Welsh economy.
“FSB look forward to working with the new Welsh Labour leader on behalf of the small business community to create the right conditions for growth.”
