WELSH First Minister Eluned Morgan has underlined her determination to present Welsh Labour as distinct from its UK counterpart, saying her government will continue to champion policies shaped by “Welsh values.”
Speaking ahead of the Senedd’s new term, Morgan told Politics Wales that she wanted the public to “recognise that in Wales we hold on to the principles that have always made us different.”
Her remarks come after a difficult week for UK Labour, during which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced criticism over his choice of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s new ambassador to the United States.
Distancing from Westminster
The First Minister’s comments reflect a wider strategy to protect Welsh Labour from the growing unpopularity of Starmer’s government. Insiders say she is keen to avoid being judged on decisions made in London, particularly on areas such as foreign affairs and constitutional reform, where she has no influence.
That calculation comes against a backdrop of mass protest in London on Saturday, where police estimated 110,000 people marched in a rally organised by far-right figure Tommy Robinson. Around 5,000 counter-protesters were also present. Social media posts from the event claimed “millions” attended, but that figure has not been verified by any official source.
Among the sea of placards and banners, many Welsh flags were visible, a reminder of how Welsh identity is increasingly prominent in UK-wide debates about politics, government and national direction.
A renewed Welsh focus
With the Senedd election approaching, Morgan is seeking to reassure voters that Welsh Labour is accountable for devolved matters such as health, education and transport, rather than Westminster policies. The approach echoes Rhodri Morgan’s idea of “clear red water” between Cardiff Bay and Westminster, rebranded by Eluned Morgan earlier this year as the “red Welsh way.”
Asked whether she would “double down” on this Welsh-first message, Morgan replied that her focus would remain on the responsibilities within her control.
“It’s important that I’m judged on the decisions that are mine to make,” she said. “That’s why the red Welsh way matters—it reflects the priorities of the people of Wales.”
Owain Williams, a former Labour Senedd candidate not selected for 2026, said there was still a “philosophical divide” in the party over devolution. He argued that Labour would struggle to win a devolved election if it failed to show full commitment to making devolution work.
Speaking separately to BBC Radio Cymru, he raised concerns that some in the party continued to struggle with questions of Welsh identity and the language.
In a statement, Welsh Labour said both it and UK Labour were “proud of our role in delivering devolution” and while the two governments may sometimes differ, “we are always united in our commitment to deliver for Wales.”
