Eluned Morgan Poised to Lead Welsh Labour Amid Controversy Over Vaughan Gething’s Resignation in Wales

Eluned Morgan is set to take over as the new leader of Welsh Labour, following an agreement within the party to avoid a contentious leadership contest.

This comes after Vaughan Gething announced his resignation last week, ending a tumultuous four-month tenure marked by controversies over a donation from a convicted eco-criminal and the dismissal of a minister over leaked WhatsApp messages.

Gething’s resignation followed a failed confidence vote in June and pressure from senior Labour ministers.

Baroness Morgan, 57, currently serves as the Welsh Health Minister and is the only candidate for the leadership position, with nominations closing at noon.

She has received the backing of Jeremy Miles, a key figure in the party who previously ran against Gething in February.

Morgan is seen as a ‘unity candidate,’ aiming to bring together a fractured Labour group following recent internal disputes

While Morgan is expected to be confirmed as the new party leader, her official appointment as First Minister requires a vote in the Senedd.

The Welsh Parliament is currently on recess until September, but there have been calls, notably from Welsh Conservatives, to recall the parliament sooner to ensure stability in governance. If confirmed, Morgan would become the first woman to lead the Welsh Government.

Calls for an Election

Despite support from within the party, not everyone is content with the current process.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has called for a snap election, arguing that a fresh mandate is necessary for legitimacy, given the rapid leadership changes.

He criticized Labour for resisting an election and accused them of potentially collaborating with the Conservatives to avoid one.

However, Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies has dismissed the idea of a snap election as “hot-headed,” noting that another election is already scheduled for 2026.

Background and Experience

Baroness Morgan has been a Senedd member for Mid and West Wales since 2016 and has held a peerage in the House of Lords since 2011, currently listed as being on a leave of absence.

Her political career includes serving as a Member of the European Parliament from 1994 to 2009.

Morgan’s candidacy has garnered broad support within the Labour group, including from those who were previously expected to run for leadership themselves.

This support solidified after a series of resignations and controversies involving the outgoing First Minister, Vaughan Gething.