Eluned Morgan giving "serious consideration" to running in contest to be Wales' First Minister
It's as Jeremy Miles rules himself out of the leadership contest.
Last updated 21st Jul 2024
Welsh Health Minister Eluned Morgan is said to be giving "serious consideration" to running to replace Vaughan Gething as First Minister.
Baroness Morgan of Ely told BBC Politics Wales she is considering standing on a "unity ticket" with Huw Irranca-Davies, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change in the Senedd.
Mr Irranca-Daives would effectively be a deputy first minister.
Baroness Morgan said: "I'm certainly giving it serious consideration.
"But if I were to stand, then I would be standing on a ticket along with Huw Irranca-Davies, who was a Jeremy Miles supporter (in the last leadership race), so it would be a unity ticket.
"This is something we're testing, there's been a huge groundswell of support within the party for that idea."
Candidates have until Wednesday to announce their intention to stand for leadership.
Former Welsh government minister Jeremy Miles has ruled himself out of the running to be First Minister and has endorsed Health Minister Eluned Morgan.
Mr Miles had been widely expected to run but announced on Sunday he would not stand.
In response to Baroness Morgan confirming she is considering a bid to take over from Vaughan Gething, Mr Miles said: "I am today nominating Eluned Morgan for leader of Welsh Labour.
"I hope Eluned becomes our leader - her leadership would enable us all to move forward, united in delivering the vision of the Welsh Labour government.
"Eluned is a friend as well as a valued colleague. She has stood up for the interests of Wales in the Senedd but also in Europe, and Westminster.
"The values she champions - of fairness, prosperity for all, a greener future and a strong devolution settlement - are ones which I passionately share.
"Welsh Labour under Eluned would reach out and represent all parts of our nation."
He thanked those who had encouraged him to stand but said he wanted to put the interests of the country and party first.