Jeremy Miles confirms bid to become Welsh First Minister
It comes as 17 Members of the Senedd have voiced their support for the Education Minister
Last updated 18th Dec 2023
Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles has formally declared himself in the race to become the next Welsh First Minister.
In a statement, he says "If I think back to when I was growing up, wondering about my place in the world as a young gay man from a working class family in Pontarddulais, I would never have imagined that one day I would be putting myself forward to lead our great party and our nation.
"In recent days, party members, from all parts of Wales, Cabinet and Senedd colleagues, MPs, councillors, peers, trade unionists, and many others in our movement have expressed their support for me to lead our party. I am hugely grateful.
"And so today I confirm I will be standing in the election to become Welsh Labour’s next leader, and to be First Minister of Wales.
"I am determined to build on Mark’s legacy and his unquestionable commitment to public service. As we look forward to the next quarter century in the journey of devolution, we must set our sights on an ambitious future for Wales, led by Welsh Labour.
"The Tories’ attacks on public services, austerity and their mismanagement of our economy, means things have been incredibly difficult for people across our country. We face many challenges ahead - but I am hopeful for the future.
"A Labour victory at the next general election is crucial for that more positive future. A UK Labour Government led by Keir Starmer, working with our Welsh Labour Government, can achieve so much more for Wales. Together, we will end the cycle of Tory crises that has worn down so many. We must do all we can to ensure a Labour win - we owe it to our country.
"And be in no doubt – a Welsh Labour Government which I lead, will always stand up for Wales.
"I will be setting out a bold, ambitious and exciting vision for Wales’ future. I hope you will join me in making that vision a reality. "
It comes as the majority of Welsh Labour Members of the Senedd have declared their support for Jeremy Miles to be the party’s next Leader and First Minister of Wales.
It follows Mark Drakeford's resignation last week, after five years of leadership.
Overnight, MSs from across Welsh Labour put their support behind the Education and Welsh Language Minister and called on him to stand for the leadership.
They include Labour Counsel General Mick Antoniw , Julie James, Julie Morgan, Lee Waters and Jenny Rathbone.
This means Jeremy Miles now has the support of the majority of Welsh Labour MSs, Welsh Labour Government ministers, and the entire 2021 intake of Welsh Labour Senedd members.
“We’ve taken the time to talk to each other and really consider who is best for Wales, first and foremost," said Climate Minister Julie James, "Senedd members know the huge responsibility we have with our nominations."
"It is the view of a majority of Welsh Labour Members of the Senedd that Jeremy Miles will be a great leader of the party and a fantastic First Minister of Wales.
“We need someone who will reach out, bring people together, and do the difficult work that will be required to stand up for Wales - particularly with a general election coming. Jeremy has all the qualities needed and more."
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has also announced his bid for leadership.
He has the backing of Rebecca Evans, Dawn Bowden and Lynne Neagle amongst others.
In a post on X, Gething said:
"We can only maintain our record of winning elections and fighting for the people of Wales if we are a united, modern, diverse movement which reflects this nation's ambitions for the future.
"I am deeply honoured to have such a strong support from right across the party and the country to build on Mark's remarkable legacy."