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Morgan: congratulations and criticism from opponents

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 14:53

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Opposition parties have reacted to Eluned Morgan's election as the new Welsh Labour leader.

The health secretary is expected to become Wales' first female First Minister since devolution began in 1999.

Baroness Morgan was the only candidate to step forward following Vaughan Gething's resignation last week, amid a string of controversies over his leadership.

But the Senedd, which began its summer recess last week, will need to reconvene in order to formally elect a new First Minister and allow Mr Gething to formally resign.

It's understood Baroness Morgan has won the support for most Labour MSs - including that of former economy secretary Jeremy Miles, who was defeated by Mr Gething in a leadership contest in March.

And while her political opponents have offered their congratulations, they have also criticised her record as health secretary.

The Welsh Conservatives, who have already called for a Senedd recall, said she had "picked up the crown at the coronation", dubbing Huw Irranca Davies - expected to become deputy first minister - as ''Prince Charming''.

Tory leader Andrew RT Davies: "Eluned Morgan has presided over the worst Welsh NHS waiting lists on record, so the question must be asked, is this really the best that Labour can do?"

"If her lack of delivery in Wales’ NHS is replicated across the Welsh economy and education system then Wales is going to be a lot worse off in the future."

"The 2026 Senedd election can’t come soon enough to give Wales the change it desperately needs to unlock the hope and opportunity that will build a new and stronger Wales."

Plaid Cymru, which broke off a Senedd co-operation agreement with the Labour-led Welsh Government in May, said Ms Morgan "should but won't" call a snap election.

Their leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said: "The fact that she is the third leader in three months speaks volumes about the turmoil at the heart of the governing party."

"Wales needs its First Minister to succeed, but for that to happen, decisions must be different, and outcomes must be better."

"The direct legacy of Eluned Morgan's time in government so far is record high waiting lists and an inability to get to grips with the significant challenges with the NHS. People are crying out for more ambitious, more competent, and more effective leadership."

Whenever the Senedd does reconvene, opposition parties - who have 30 of the 60 seats in the Senedd - would be able to force a deadlock if they were to back a single candidate to become First Minister.

But the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats has ruled out such a move by pledging to abstain from the vote.

Leader Jane Dodds said: "It is now up to both Eluned and Welsh Labour 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."

"Unfortunately, these recent events have undoubtedly undermined trust in Welsh politics. Welsh Labour must realise that they can no longer take the Welsh electorate for granted, trust must be earned."

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