Vaughan Gething is Wales' new First Minister
Former economy minister becomes Europe's first ever black leader
Last updated 21st Mar 2024
Vaughan Gething has been voted in as Wales's new First Minister.
Senedd members have voted and approved the appointment of Mark Drakeford's successor.
Mr Gething is the first black leader in any European country.
In total 51 votes were cast: 27 for Vaughan Gething; 13 for Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies; and 11 for Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Gething said: "In recent years we have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with devolution - we did it for example to keep Wales safe.
"In that same period we have seen unprecedented hostility towards democratic Welsh devolution from a UK government that is determined to undermine, frustrate and bypass the Welsh government and the Senedd.
"I look forward to stand up for Wales and for devolution in the weeks and months to come."
He said he wanted Wales "to thrive in the sunshine that hope and social justice can offer all of us."
Vaughan Gething becomes Wales' fifth first minister.
The 50-year-old won the Welsh Labour leadership contest, beating Education Minister Jeremy Miles with 51.7% of the vote
The Cardiff South and Penarth Senedd member was health minister between 2016 and May 2021, when he was in charge of Wales' initial Covid response.