IN her Key address at the Labour Party Conference, Eluned Morgan, the Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister of Wales, delivered a powerful speech championing progressive politics and setting out a bold vision for the future of Wales and the UK. Morgan, the first woman to lead Welsh Labour, made clear her ambition to drive transformative change, with the energy and optimism of a leader poised to seize a unique political opportunity.
Addressing the packed conference hall, Morgan emphasised the significance of her position. “I am proud to stand before you today, not just as the Welsh Labour leader, but as a catalyst for change. I am the first Labour woman in the history of our party to lead a country… and isn’t it about time?” she declared, met with enthusiastic applause.
Morgan took the helm as First Minister just 48 days ago, yet already heralded a “seismic shift” in the relationship between Wales and Westminster. With Labour in power in both Cardiff and London, she highlighted the fresh momentum and alignment between the two governments. “The winds of change are blowing, and they’re blowing in Labour’s favour,” she told the audience.
Throughout her speech, Morgan detailed the achievements already delivered under her leadership. Among the standout measures were inflation-busting pay rises for public sector workers, support for renewable energy and green jobs, and new assistance packages for Tata Steel workers, helping to protect the vital steel industry in Wales.
She also highlighted Wales’ progressive policies that are already in place: free bus travel for over-60s, free hospital parking, free prescriptions, and, as of her leadership, free school meals for all primary school children.
“We’ve made remarkable progress despite 14 years of Tory austerity,” Morgan said. “And I promise you this: we will focus relentlessly on delivering the people’s priorities before setting out our vision.”
Her passion for tackling inequality shone through as she recounted a formative childhood memory, growing up in a vicarage on Ely’s council estate in Cardiff. Recalling a boy named Rob, she spoke of the systemic failures that convinced him he wouldn’t succeed. “I’m in politics for the Robs of this world,” she said, vowing to ensure that no young person’s potential would be wasted under her watch.
Tackling challenges head-on
Morgan acknowledged the significant challenges ahead, particularly within the NHS, but insisted Wales was already ahead of the curve on reforms. Promising to eliminate the “8am bottleneck” for GP appointments, she also committed to dental care programmes for schools and care homes, mental health support in schools, and new community prescribing services.
“We are not claiming a monopoly on good ideas,” she noted, emphasising her openness to collaboration with the UK government and neighbouring nations.
As the 2026 Senedd elections approach, Morgan made it clear she had no intention of relinquishing Labour’s stronghold in Wales, where the party has been the largest for over a century. “A lot done – a lot to do – and a lot to lose if we are not returned to power,” she warned.
A New era for Labour
In closing, Morgan rallied the conference around Labour’s shared mission across Cardiff and Westminster to “build a fairer, greener, more prosperous future for all.” She expressed her excitement about working with Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, and Carolyn Harris, Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour, stating that the trio of “feisty women” were determined to succeed.
With Labour’s fortunes on the rise across the UK, Morgan’s speech marked a defining moment in her leadership, leaving conference-goers inspired and energised for the challenges ahead.
“Let’s give hope not just to Wales, not just to Britain, but to all who believe in the power of progressive politics to transform lives,” Morgan concluded, to rapturous applause.
As Wales prepares for its next Senedd elections and the Labour Party looks to cement its position on both sides of the Severn, Eluned Morgan has made one thing clear: her vision is one of bold, inclusive, and transformational leadership.
