Eluned Morgan was sworn in on Tuesday as Wales’ first female leader after being elected by lawmakers in the devolved parliament to replace Vaughan Gething, who stepped down after just four months in charge.
Morgan, 57, became the new Welsh Labour leader last month, making her the party’s nominee for First Minister of Wales. The 60-member Assembly, the Senedd, confirmed her nomination after being recalled from recess.
Gething, who made history as the first black leader of a government in a European country when he was elected in March, resigned last month following a series of controversies. He faced criticism for accepting a £200,000 ($255,500) donation from a man convicted of environmental crimes and a leaked phone message that led to a minister’s dismissal. He ultimately lost a no-confidence vote and, despite initially vowing to fight on, decided to step down.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, called Morgan’s election “fantastic news” and praised her for bringing “a wealth of experience and a track record of delivery” to the role.
Morgan, a Senedd member since 2016, previously served as a member of the European Parliament for 15 years starting in 1994. She promoted herself as a “unity candidate” amid divisions within Welsh Labour. Her candidacy was supported by all other potential candidates expected to run in the party leadership race.
The Welsh government, based in Cardiff, has devolved powers in areas such as transport, environment, health, and education.
