Eluned Morgan voted First Minister of Wales
Morgan received 28 of the votes, including votes from her predecessors, Vaughan Gething and Mark Drakeford
Last updated 6th Aug 2024
Eluned Morgan has been confirmed as Wales' next first minister, after a vote in the Senedd.
She becomes the first female leader of the country.
Baroness Morgan, 57, was confirmed as leader of the Welsh Labour Party on July 24, but could not take over as First Minister without a vote in the Senedd.
She succeeds Vaughan Gething, who lasted less than 140 days as first minister, having presided over a turbulent period in office, beset by rows over donations and sacked ministers.
Eluned Morgan received 28 of the votes, including votes from her predecessors, Vaughan Gething and Mark Drakeford.
The Welsh Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies got 15 votes and Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth got 12.
Lib Dem leader, Jane Dodds, abstained from voting.
Eluned Morgan said in her speech: "For women watching today, you need to know your potential is limitless"
"The path the leadership is not now just a possibility, it's a reality."
"In a world where things that divide us are amplified, sometimes for profit, I want to make it clear that I will be a listening first minister.
"Listening to all, not just those that shout the loudest or have the most power."
Eluned Morgan acknowledged the difficulty Welsh Labour had faced in recent weeks and months.
She told the Senedd: "The last few weeks have been difficult and we have been through some turmoil. But we know that we are at our best when we work in unity as a party and as a nation."
The new First Minister said her Government's "focus will be firmly on Wales and its people, listening to what people want and delivering in every corner of this great nation".
She also confirmed Huw Irranca-Davies would be her deputy first minister, describing him as "impressive", adding: "I couldn't ask for a more capable political partner."
Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said:
“I would first like to congratulate Eluned Morgan on her successful nomination as the new First Minister of Wales. I am delighted to see another woman leading the way in Welsh politics.
"It is now up to both Eluned and the Welsh Labour Government to re-earn the trust of both the Senedd and, most importantly, the people of Wales.
"The last few months of Welsh Labour scandals and in-fighting has been an unhelpful distraction from resolving the challenges facing Wales."
Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said:
"The Welsh Conservatives congratulate Eluned Morgan on her election as First Minister of Wales.
“For the last few months, the Welsh Labour Government has been so busy with infighting it has further neglected our public services, and Wales needs someone in the top job now who can drive down our waiting lists, improve educational attainment and turbocharge our economy.
“Sadly, on the basis of her record, there is little reason to believe Eluned Morgan will be that person.”
Plaid Cymru Leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, said,
“On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I congratulate the First Minister on her election, and wish her well as she takes the reins and tackles the significant challenges that lie ahead.
“This is not an orderly transfer from one First Minister to another. For months, the Labour government that has governed for so long has found itself helpless when having to deal with scandal and internal squabbles, rather than being able to focus on serving the people of Wales. Wales deserves better than that.
“The new First Minister made it clear she was putting herself forward as a unity candidate but that was clearly unity for Labour, not for Wales. We still have no idea of the new First Minister’s priorities or what she wants to do in Government.
“Plaid Cymru will hold the Labour Government to account and outline our positive vision for change. More of the same really is no longer an option."
The Prime Minister, Kier Starmer, tweeted: "Today Eluned Morgan made history as the first woman to become First Minister of Wales, she has my heartfelt congratulations.
"I know Eluned will lead a unified and ambitious Welsh government.
"Labour in Wales and Westminster will work side by side during this new chapter."
Scotland's First Minister has congratulated his new Welsh counterpart on her election.
In a statement after Eluned Morgan was confirmed as First Minister of Wales, John Swinney said: "Eluned's appointment as the first female First Minister of the Welsh Government is a historic moment for Wales.
"I have no doubt she will lead her Government with passion and determination, steadfastly standing up for the people of Wales.
"I look forward to working together with her on common challenges and building on the strong relationship between Scotland and Wales.
"Llongyfarchiadau Eluned."