ELUNED MORGAN has announced she is “giving serious consideration” to standing for the leadership of Welsh Labour and, by extension, becoming the next First Minister of Wales. This follows the decision of Jeremy Miles, who was considered a strong contender, to withdraw his candidacy and back Morgan instead.
Miles’s endorsement significantly boosts Morgan’s campaign, suggesting she might run unopposed in the upcoming leadership election to replace Vaughan Gething. Miles stated that Morgan’s leadership would “enable us all to move forward,” signalling a desire for unity within the party.
Health Secretary Morgan has indicated that if she stands, it will be alongside Huw Irranca-Davies, aiming to restore cohesion within the divided Labour group in the Senedd. Speaking on Sunday, she said, “I’ve had a huge amount of encouragement to stand from all factions of the party. If I were to stand, it will be on a joint ticket with Huw Irranca-Davies as a deputy minister, demonstrating our focus on uniting the group and refocusing on the issues that matter to the people of Wales.”
Welsh Labour’s timetable requires candidates to secure nominations by Wednesday, 24th July. Each candidate must have the support of at least five other Members of the Senedd (MSs) to qualify. It seems increasingly likely that no other candidate will meet this threshold, potentially making Morgan the sole contender.
Despite this, Morgan has expressed her preference for a contested election. “I’m very happy for there to be a contest that allows party members to have their say and for contenders to set out their stall,” she remarked.
Miles’s decision to support Morgan came after his resignation as Economy Secretary, a move that precipitated Gething’s resignation. Miles emphasised his belief that Morgan is best positioned to lead both the party and the country forward. “Her leadership would enable us all to move forward, united in delivering the vision of the Welsh Labour government,” he said. He praised Morgan’s commitment to fairness, prosperity, a greener future, and a strong devolution settlement.
Morgan has been at the helm of the health portfolio since 2021, first as Health Minister under Mark Drakeford and then as Health Secretary under Gething. Additionally, she holds the title of Baroness Morgan of Ely in the House of Lords and previously served as a Member of the European Parliament for 15 years. She also contested the Labour leadership in 2018, which Mark Drakeford won, but did not stand in the subsequent contest that saw Gething ascend to leadership.
The leadership vote was triggered by Gething’s resignation following a turbulent period involving controversies over donations and the sacking of a minister. Despite surviving a confidence vote, internal dissent ultimately led to his departure.
The leadership contest’s timetable, announced after special meetings on Saturday, outlines that a new leader will be declared on 14th September. Voting will occur by post from 22nd August, with the new First Minister elected on 18th September.
Plaid Cymru has called for a Senedd election, citing concerns over yet another Labour First Minister without a direct mandate from voters. Rhun ap Iorwerth, the party leader, argued that Wales needs fresh leadership focused on the nation’s interests rather than Westminster’s.
However, Morgan dismissed calls for a snap election, asserting, “I don’t think there’s an appetite amongst the public for another election. We have a mandate from the last election. This is an opportunity for us to reset and prepare for the next general election.”
