Welsh Parliament Recalled for Vote on New First Minister as Baroness Eluned Morgan Takes Helm of Welsh Labour

The Welsh assembly has been reconvened to hold a vote on the appointment of a new first minister following Baroness Eluned Morgan's victory in the Welsh Labour leadership race. Baroness Morgan emerged as the sole candidate to succeed Vaughan Gething, necessitating a formal vote in parliament to confirm her as first minister.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Thursday, July 25, 2024, 1:

The Welsh assembly is reconvening from its summer break to allow its members to cast their votes for a new First Minister.

Senedd members are required to return to the Cardiff parliament on August 6 following the election of Baroness Eluned Morgan as the Welsh Labour leader this Wednesday.

Current Political Update: Starmer Criticizes Conservatives for Making UK Vulnerable

The leadership election for Welsh Labour was scheduled to span two months and conclude post-summer break in September. However, Baroness Morgan, aged 57, emerged as the only candidate, thereby securing the leadership without the need for a campaign.

She will step into Vaughan Gething's role following his decision to resign last week amid controversies surrounding campaign contributions.

Despite her position, she does not immediately step into the role of First Minister, as a full vote by the Senedd is necessary to decide who will take over as the leader of Wales.

The Senedd adjourned for its summer recess on Monday, however, Mr. Gething has called for the assembly members to reconvene, a request which the presiding officer has approved.

Baroness Morgan is anticipated to be elected as the first minister, given that Labour has the majority in the Senedd.

She is the first woman to lead Welsh Labour and is poised to be the inaugural female First Minister of Wales.

The Speaker of the Welsh Parliament, Elin Jones, stated: "I have been approached by the First Minister with a request to reconvene the Senedd so that members can select the individual who will assume the position of the next First Minister of Wales.

"I have consented to the request and have communicated the recall to the Members of the Senedd through a written notice."

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

The Welsh Conservatives had previously requested that the Senedd reconvene, and expressed their appreciation for its resumption, stating that it will provide the much-needed stability for Wales.

Party leader Andrew RT Davies commented, "Given the turmoil surrounding the Labour government in Cardiff Bay, one might have expected them to accelerate this decision by proposing an earlier recall to restore stability in Wales."

Considering the criticisms of Eluned Morgan's performance as health minister, one might expect her to quickly seek affirmation from the Senedd in her new role as first minister.

Controversy Surrounding Vaughan Gething

In a historic moment in March, Mr. Gething was inaugurated as the first black leader of a European nation.

He consistently encountered inquiries regarding a £200,000 contribution to his leadership bid from a firm owned by an individual previously found guilty of environmental crimes on two occasions.

Critics have argued that Mr. Gething's leadership bid should have refused the funds, yet the First Minister has stated that the contribution adhered to regulations and was reported according to party guidelines.

A controversy erupted following his dismissal of Minister Hannah Blythyn, who was accused of leaking text messages, a claim she refuted. Subsequently, a newspaper confirmed that she was not the informant.

Plaid Cymru subsequently withdrew from its collaborative agreement with the government led by Mr. Gething.

Upon his resignation, Mr. Gething released documents he claimed supported his choice to dismiss Ms. Blythyn. Among the evidence was a screenshot of the leaked information, which notably lacked her initials, indicating it likely originated from her phone.

This occurred following the departure of several ministers, rendering his role unsustainable.

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Television Networks

Additional Sky Websites