Breaking Barriers: Eluned Morgan Appointed as Wales’s First Female First Minister Amid Political Turmoil

Baroness Eluned Morgan has been appointed as the new first minister of Wales following Vaughan Gething's departure. She makes history as the first female leader of Welsh Labour to take up this role.

Welsh correspondent @TomosGruffydd

Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 4:

For an optimal video viewing experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser

Eluned Morgan has been appointed as the inaugural female First Minister of Wales.

On Tuesday morning, members of the Senedd voted to confirm Baroness Morgan as the new first minister.

The Welsh assembly reconvened from its summer break for an extraordinary session to elect a new first minister following Vaughan Gething's step down as leader of Welsh Labour.

The newly appointed first minister garnered 28 votes, while Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies achieved 15 votes, and Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth was nominated 12 times.

Discover more: Who is the newly appointed first minister of Wales?

Mr. Gething was scrutinized regarding a contentious £200,000 donation and the dismissal of a minister, which was followed by the resignation of four government officials.

The race to replace Mr. Gething was anticipated to continue until September.

Baroness Morgan, serving as the health secretary for Wales since 2021, secured the leadership position without facing any challengers in the recent election.

She ran alongside the secretary of rural affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, whom she is likely to name as her deputy.

The duo has committed to promoting "strength, stability, and unity," concentrating on "enhancing the most important aspects" for citizens nationwide.

'Highest privilege'

During the brief 36-minute meeting of the Senedd on Tuesday, the sole focus was to cast votes for the nomination of a new first minister.

Following the support from the Senedd, Baroness Morgan described the day as "historic".

She described being named the first female First Minister of Wales as the "greatest honour" of her life, a statement that was greeted with applause from the public gallery.

The incoming minister expressed gratitude to Mr. Gething for his contributions during his tenure.

"She expressed her aspiration for a Wales where every individual, no matter their origin, can participate in and benefit from our collective prosperity."

"I intend to be a first minister who prioritizes listening to everyone, not only the most vocal or the most influential."

In a conversation with Sky News following her appointment, Baroness Morgan did not dismiss the possibility of her predecessor playing a part in the new administration.

"She indicated that any future changes to the cabinet would be announced by her shortly."

"I won't be making any decisions regarding those cabinet roles until I'm fully prepared to announce them."

Sir Keir Starmer stated that Baroness Morgan "comes equipped with extensive experience and a proven history of accomplishments."

"He expressed his eagerness to collaborate closely with Eluned to fulfill their commitments to Wales and Britain."

Scotland's premier John Swinney expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the newly appointed leader of Wales.

"He expressed his confidence that she would govern with fervor and resolve, consistently advocating for the Welsh populace," he stated.

Welsh Conservative chief Mr. Davies referred to Baroness Morgan's appointment as a "major milestone in [Wales's] political history."

"He pointed out, 'You're the third first minister to serve this year, and that's been quite detrimental overall.'"

"I am eager to collaborate with you wherever possible."

Mr. ap Iorwerth of Plaid Cymru described the situation in Wales as a "political storm."

The party has demanded a new election for the Senedd, criticizing both Labour and the Conservatives for their reluctance to go before the voters.

He stated that Plaid Cymru would both "confront" the government and "collaborate" with them.

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and across the globe by tuning in to Sky News.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News app at no cost

For more detailed coverage, visit Sky News: Musk responds to Starmer following remarks about a 'civil war'; 'Worst yet to arrive' as lethal Storm Debby strikes the US.

Jane Dodds, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, expressed her delight at having another woman join her in the ranks of political leadership in Wales, describing it as "very nice."

She mentioned that recent events had darkened the political landscape in Wales and expressed her personal distress over the diminishing trust between the public and politicians.

Ms. Dodds, who chose not to vote, stated that this was a message to the premier indicating that it's time for the actual governance to begin.

Following the vote, Elin Jones, the Presiding Officer of the Senedd, expressed, "After 25 years, we've at last broken that glass ceiling."

Associated Subjects

Footer for Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites