Eluned Morgan: Wales' First Female Leader Amid Political Upheaval

The Welsh Labour Party has appointed Eluned Morgan as its new leader, succeeding Vaughan Gething following his resignation. Morgan, a former health minister, is set to become Wales' first female First Minister. She aims to foster strength, stability, and unity during this critical time for Wales.

The Welsh Labour Party has officially confirmed Eluned Morgan as its new leader, replacing Vaughan Gething, who announced his resignation last week after several ministers quit in protest against his leadership.

Morgan, 57, will assume the role of First Minister of Wales, pending parliamentary confirmation. Once confirmed, she will be the first female leader of the semi-autonomous Welsh government. Morgan, who previously served as health minister in Wales and has held positions in the European Parliament and Britain's House of Lords, expressed her honor at the appointment.

"At this pivotal time for our country, strength, stability, and unity will be my guiding principles. I want to ensure that everyone in Wales has the opportunity and ability to fulfill their potential," she said. The internal party contest to replace Gething was due to run over the summer, but Morgan stood unopposed by Wednesday's deadline.

Gething, 50, the first Black head of government in Europe, faced a tumultuous term marked by a loss of a symbolic vote of confidence and a wave of ministerial resignations. His tenure was further marred by controversies over a political donation, transparency in disclosures to the COVID-19 inquiry, and the dismissal of a minister for alleged media leaks.

(With inputs from agencies.)