Morgan to be first woman to lead Welsh government

Health minister set to take over from Vaughan Gething

- GEORGE THOMPSON

Eluned Morgan has been confirmed as the new Welsh Labour leader and is set to succeed Vaughan Gething as the first minister of Wales – the first woman to take the role.

Baroness Morgan, 57, the Welsh health minister, will become the new leader of the party after nominations closed yesterday, with her being the only contender. She will replace Mr Gething, who announced his resignation last week after a torrid four months in office, featuring rows over donations and sacked ministers.

While she has been formally announced as party leader, she does not immediately become first minister, with that requiring a confirmation vote in the Senedd. She has promoted herself as a “unity” candidate and was jointly running with rural affairs minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, who will become deputy first minister.

In a statement, Baroness Morgan said she was “truly honoured” to become the first woman to lead Welsh Labour and to be the party’s nominee for first minister. She said: “At this pivotal time for our country, strength, stability, and unity will be my guiding principles. I want to ensure that everyone in Wales has the opportunity and ability to fulfil their potential.

“Huw Irranca-Davies and I stood proudly as a partnership, and we are delighted to have received the overwhelming support of Welsh Labour MSs and support from across Wales and the wider Labour movement. When we pledged unity, we meant it – and that is how we will lead.”