ELUNED MORGAN has been voted in as Wales’ first female First Minister, taking the reins at a critical juncture for the country. With the official confirmation occurring today, Ms Morgan becomes the sixth person to hold the role. Eluned Morgan was elected Welsh Labour leader on 24 July after Vaughan Gething triggered the second leadership contest of the year for the party by standing down. The process, expected to stretch into autumn, was expedited as Mrs Morgan was the sole candidate and thus elected unopposed.
In her inaugural speech as First Minister, Mrs Morgan expressed that it was the “greatest honour of my life” to be Wales’ first female MS, a statement met with applause. Reflecting on her upbringing in Ely, Cardiff, she shared how her early experiences of inequality shaped her commitment to listening and addressing the concerns of all communities.
Mrs Morgan reiterated her vision for a “fairer, greener and more prosperous” Wales, highlighting her dedication to public service spanning 30 years, from the European Parliament to Westminster, and the Senedd. She pledged to be a “listening First Minister, not just to those who shout the loudest” and to lead a government driven by “a sense of service and respect for the people I serve.”
Addressing the internal challenges within the Labour group, she emphasised her focus on issues that genuinely impact communities. She spoke of creating opportunities for everyone to contribute to Wales’ shared success, regardless of background, and stressed the importance of restoring public trust in politics. “Our differences can be a source of strength, not division,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to inclusivity.
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth congratulated Mrs Morgan, noting the historic significance of her appointment. He reiterated his party’s call for an early election, citing Labour’s internal conflicts and the need for a mandate under the new leadership. He questioned how Mrs Morgan would reset the relationship between the Welsh and UK governments and address the pressing challenges Wales faces.
Conservative group leader Andrew RT Davies also extended his congratulations, acknowledging the “significant moment” and the new dynamic a female First Minister brings. He raised concerns about the challenges ahead and the need for engagement with Parliament during the recess. Mr Davies asked about the energy Mrs Morgan would bring to her new role and sought clarification on the functioning of the deputy First Minister.
Mrs Morgan concluded her speech with a commitment to lead a government that is proactive and responsive to the needs of the Welsh people. She highlighted her dedication to fighting poverty through economic growth, improving the NHS and education system, and addressing the climate and nature emergencies.
As Wales’ new First Minister, Eluned Morgan steps into her role with numerous challenges but also significant opportunities to shape the future of the nation. Her historic appointment marks a new chapter in Welsh politics, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to inclusivity and progress.
Today’s Senedd vote, required to formally appoint her as First Minister, was conducted via a roll call, with members allowed to vote remotely due to the summer break. The final tally saw Eluned Morgan securing 28 votes, with Andrew RT Davies obtaining 15 votes, and Rhun ap Iorwerth receiving 12 votes. There was one abstention out of the 56 votes cast in total. Here is a detailed breakdown of the votes:
- Rhys ab Owen MS (Ind): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Mick Antoniw MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Mabon ap Gwynfor MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Rhun ap Iorwerth MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Natasha Asghar MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Hannah Blythyn MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Dawn Bowden MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Jayne Bryant MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Cefin Campbell MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Hefin David MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Alun Davies MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Andrew RT Davies MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Gareth Davies MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Paul Davies MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Jane Dodds MS (Lib Dem): Abstain
- Mark Drakeford MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- James Evans MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Rebecca Evans MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Janet Finch-Saunders MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Luke Fletcher MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Peter Fox MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Heledd Fychan MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Russell George MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Vaughan Gething MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Tom Giffard MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- John Griffiths MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Lesley Griffiths MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Llyr Gruffydd MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Siân Gwenllian MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Mike Hedges MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Vikki Howells MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Altaf Hussain MS (Conservatives): Not voting
- Jane Hutt MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Huw Irranca-Davies MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Mark Isherwood MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Joel James MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Julie James MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Delyth Jewell MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Elin Jones MS (Plaid Cymru): No vote as presiding officer
- Laura Anne Jones MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Samuel Kurtz MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Jeremy Miles MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Darren Millar MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Eluned Morgan MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Julie Morgan MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Sarah Murphy MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Lynne Neagle MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Peredur Owen Griffiths MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Rhianon Passmore MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Adam Price MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
- Jenny Rathbone MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- David Rees MS (Labour): No vote as deputy presiding officer
- Sam Rowlands MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
- Jack Sargeant MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Ken Skates MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Carolyn Thomas MS (Labour): No vote
- Lee Waters MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Joyce Watson (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Buffy Williams (Labour): Eluned Morgan
- Sioned Williams (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
