Eluned Morgan is set to make history as she officially becomes the first female first minister of Wales later today.
The Senedd has been recalled from its summer recess to nominate the new first minister following the resignation of Vaughan Gething. Members of the Senedd (MSs) can participate in the vote virtually, including those abroad.
Morgan, the current health secretary and newly elected leader of Welsh Labour, will take over from Gething, who resigned after a tumultuous tenure marked by controversy, including accepting campaign donations from an individual twice convicted of environmental offences and the sacking of a cabinet minister over leaked messages.
This marks the first time the Senedd has been recalled for a first minister confirmation vote. Gething initially planned to remain in office until September for a final First Minister's Questions session, but the plan was abandoned as Morgan emerged as the sole candidate.
Running on a platform promising to appoint Huw Irranca-Davies as deputy first minister, Morgan now faces a vote where each MS must nominate their candidate aloud. Plaid Cymru and Conservative MSs are expected to nominate their own leaders, while the Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds is expected to abstain. Labour's majority in the Senedd assures Morgan's confirmation.
An exception has been made to allow MSs to vote virtually from abroad, a rare accommodation.
Labour Chaos
Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, congratulated Morgan on her historic achievement but criticized the lack of direction from the Labour government, remarking on the chaos during Gething's leadership and Morgan's prior performance as health minister.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth echoed these sentiments, attributing the recall to Labour's internal disarray and expressing doubt that Morgan's leadership would address the party's deeper issues, citing their longstanding governance and perceived lack of vision for Wales.
Who is Eluned Morgan?
Eluned Morgan, the Labour MS for Mid and West Wales, was born in Cardiff and has served as the health secretary since 2021. First appointed by Mark Drakeford and reappointed by Gething, Morgan has a distinguished political career. At 27, she became the youngest member of the European Parliament and is a life peer in the House of Lords, holding the title Baroness Morgan of Ely, though she is currently on leave from this role.
Morgan’s anticipated confirmation as first minister represents a significant milestone in Welsh politics, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Welsh Labour and the nation. Photo by National Assembly for Wales from Wales, Wikimedia commons.