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Eluned Morgan in line to be First Minister as Jeremy Miles says he will not run

21 Jul 2024 3 minute read
Health Minister Eluned Morgan

Martin Shipton

Health Minister Eluned Morgan seems likely to become the new First Minister after former contender Jeremy Miles announced he would not be standing to replace Vaughan Gething.

Mr Gething resigned last Tuesday, July 16, following months of controversy over donations totalling £200,000 that he took from a convicted criminal and the revelation that he had deleted messages during the Covid crisis because he feared they could be disclosed under freedom of information legislation. He subsequently lied to the UK Covid Inquiry.

In a statement, 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.

Resigned

Mr Miles was one of four members of the Cabinet who resigned last Tuesday, saying they no longer had confidence in Mr Gething as First Minister. Their decision prompted his resignation the same day. Subsequently a number of Mr Gething’s supporters said Mr Miles would not be able to unite the Senedd Labour group and he should not be a candidate for the leadership.

Earlier Baroness Morgan confirmed she was giving “serious consideration” to running to replace Vaughan Gething as leader of Welsh Labour.

She told BBC Politics Wales she was considering standing on a “unity ticket” with Huw Irranca-Davies, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change in the Senedd.

Mr Irranca-Davies would effectively become 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.”

Wednesday

Candidates have until Wednesday to announce their intention to stand for leadership.

As Health Minister, Baroness Morgan has come under attack over the failure to reduce NHS waiting times and for other failings of the health system.

A former Member of the European Parliament, she was first elected as a member of the then National Assembly for Mid and West Wales in 2016.

Nominations for the Welsh Labour leadership close on Wednesday. If no other candidate comes forward, Baroness Morgan will be elected unopposed.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “The next leader of the Labour party in Wales was always likely to be a Minister who has overseen the decline in either health outcomes or educational standards.

Wales’ future success cannot be left to those too wedded to old thinking and failed ideas.

The people of Wales want an injection of hope and can do attitude from a new government which is relentlessly focused on putting Wales before the interests of Westminster.

Wales needs to break the cycle of Labour’s revolving door of First Ministers who have no direct mandate from voters”.


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Chris
Chris
4 months ago

So because of an internal argument in the Labour party about who’s ’best’ to move forward and Labour’s desire to finally have a woman Wales gets a third rate FM who lets not forget had to borrow nominations to get on the ballot back in 2018.

Slow hand clap Labour, slow handclap.

Frank
Frank
4 months ago

From the pan into the fire!! Let the public decide!

Linda Jones
Linda Jones
4 months ago

I am not impressed with Eluned Morgans performance in health. The Welsh NHS is the worst in the UK and Morgan is Health Minister. How can she be recommended for the role of First Minister with such a poor track record.
In any event the crowning of a Labour First Minister chosen by a few Labour members is undemocratic. We should have an election

Llyn
Llyn
4 months ago
Reply to  Linda Jones

2 points. I get your point but Northern Ireland’s health service is far worse than Wales’. Secondly, both Plaid and the Tories had a similar coronation of their leaders.

Linda Jones
Linda Jones
4 months ago
Reply to  Llyn

My comment is about the crowning of the First Minister by Labour members not who they choose for leader

Llyn
Llyn
4 months ago
Reply to  Linda Jones

We are not a presidency.

Swn Y Mor
Swn Y Mor
4 months ago
Reply to  Llyn

Its is becoming a bit wearing to keep reading these type of answers in response to any criticism of Labour. The comment was not talking about Northern Ireland or Plaid or the Tories. Just because they did that does not mean Labour has to do the same.

Elaine
Elaine
4 months ago

I watched Eluned Morgan talk about a joint ticket before news of the ‘fix’ broke. All she really spoke of was the Labour party with only vague side references to what the people of Wales want. No real public awareness at all. That’s before taking into account perception of her record or assessment of her leadership abilities. I agree with Richard Wyn Jones that this won’t make the questions re the donations etc go away. I also wonder how having a Deputy FM can be justified, certainly before the Senedd is expanded in 18 months time. Simply a pragmatic solution… Read more »

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago

What a stitch-up, stung by a Sewing Bee…

Smiles, you are the worst…

Was this the ‘Plan B’ from that lost weekend in London…

A pox on that place…

Poor Cymru…look at what she does at work now…

The chaos, the pain, the suffering and death…

First Minister Bumble..

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago

The riderless horse was a ‘dark haired horse’, who knew indeed…

Sorry, but it is time to go to the polls, otherwise ‘The Limpet’ will blight this country for another decade…

But the Senedd can choose whomever they want…

Choose somebody we can all trust…

I say Mabon ap Gwynfor

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago
Reply to  Mab Meirion

Someone mentioned a poisoned chalice, did that refer to whoever might be given the job of Health Minister…a sobering thought…so many casualties under Welsh Labour…

Welsh Patriot
Welsh Patriot
4 months ago

Didn’t Eluned Morgan forget to inform both her party and the Senedd of being banned for driving for six month? When a complaint came in to the Standards Commissioner, she then said that this was a serious lapse of judgement!

So, she will make a great FM

John Ellis
John Ellis
4 months ago

‘(Mr Miles) thanked those who had encouraged him to stand but said he wanted to put the interests of the country and party first.’

In taking this step he’s certainly opted to put the interests of the fractured Senedd Labour party first. I’ll defer judgement as to whether a government led by Eluned Morgan is in ‘the interests of the country’ because only time will tell.

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago
Reply to  John Ellis

Have you been in our hospitals lately…

NHS Wales needs deadheading…

Not the country put into special measures too…

John Ellis
John Ellis
4 months ago
Reply to  Mab Meirion

Have you been in our hospitals lately…’

Yes, I have – more often than I would like. Partly on my own account, having hit that time of life when, after an adult life of robust health, things start to go irretrievably wrong. I’ll hit 79 next month! And partly because in 2021 my partner was diagnosed with throat cancer.

Both of us have received exemplary care, both primary and secondary – even though we live in the are covered by Betsi Cadwaladr UHB!

I can only take as I find.

Blegywryd
Blegywryd
4 months ago

If the Labour Party thinks Eluned Morgan and Huw Irranca-Davies are the answer, it clearly hasn’t understood the question. There seemed to be an opportunity for Welsh Labour to debate openly whether it wished to be a genuinely autonomous party, able to develop and apply Welsh solutions to Welsh problems or to remain a branch office of UK Labour, prohibited from pursuing policies judged to be electorally damaging in England. Sadly, they (and Jeremy Miles in particular) have “bottled it”.

Howie
Howie
4 months ago

From her serial speeding to her abject failure to take ownership and then improve the Welsh Health Service is a is classic answer of mediocrity and contempt from Labour to the people of Wales if she becomes FM.

Riki
Riki
4 months ago
Reply to  Howie

And where is the money coming from to improve the NHS? We never will have the resources needed while we remain in the UK as we have one hand tied behind our back, or should I say, our politicians do. Designed cleverly to convince the people of Wales to run to Westminster with hands out and a smile on their face while they ask “please sir may have some more”.

Mawkernewek
4 months ago

‘In line’ to be First Minister. You make it sound like some kind of monarchial succession.

Noel Walsh
Noel Walsh
4 months ago

The end of speed limits in the manifesto then.

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago

So Vaughan was just the stalking horse, send for Poirot in the Senedd…

Opportunity knocks or more deleted messages…?

The machinations of solicitor politicians, eh!

a la ‘The Prince’…

James
James
4 months ago

Great, another FM who will not stand up to Starmer.
Jeremy if you are reading this, you’re our only hope

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago
Reply to  James

Mabon would stand up for Cymru…it is not either or, the choice is out of 56 (probably)…read the rules…

Adrian Bamford
Adrian Bamford
4 months ago

Another equity hire…have they learnt nothing from recent events?

Caernarfongirl
Caernarfongirl
4 months ago

Awful woman

Beau Brummie
Beau Brummie
4 months ago
Reply to  Caernarfongirl

Pam?

GaryCymru
GaryCymru
4 months ago
Reply to  Caernarfongirl

I know little about her. What’s her score? All of her voting history appears in line with pretty healthy logic.

S Duggan
S Duggan
4 months ago

These political parties just aren’t listening to the general public. Across all parties new FMs and PMs, people with major responsibilities within their countries, that affect millions, are parachuted in by just a few people within their political parties. People aren’t happy with it. Yes, yes it’s done legally, but it’s still highly undemocratic. It’s time the law was changed – if a new leader of a country is needed – there should automatically be a general election.

Llyn
Llyn
4 months ago
Reply to  S Duggan

With all die respect we are not in a presidential system but a parliamentary system, where political parties ask for your vote, so what you are demanding is completely at odds with our constitution and reality.

Billy James
Billy James
4 months ago
Reply to  S Duggan

Agree…

CapM
CapM
4 months ago
Reply to  S Duggan

Going into a Senedd election all parties should have elected a leader by whatever process they have chosen to use.
During the Senedd term if a replacement First minister or party leader is necessary then it should be decided by Senedd Members or the relevant Senedd Members of that party as appropriate.
Influence by Unions or party members or “donors” on such matters would then be significantly reduced. They had their say and shouldn’t directly pull the strings during a Senedd term.

Alun
Alun
4 months ago

Not one candidate with any sort of dynamics, of someone pushing Wales forward. Just someone who has failed in an a lesser position. Really inspiring.

Valley girl
Valley girl
4 months ago

Eluned is weak and would rather pander to Westminster.

Swn Y Mor
Swn Y Mor
4 months ago

It this happens Wales has gone from a liar and someone who took money from a dodgy person, to a woman who showed “a disregard for the law and a failure to take action to avoid repetition of unlawful conduct” in the words of Standards Commissioner Douglas Bain following her driving ban. She had three previous speeding offences. Never mind at least Welsh Labour can tick another diversity box. As for Jeremy Miles what a groveler. “Welsh Labour under Eluned would reach out and represent all parts of our nation.” Great to see he has a crystal ball. ‘He thanked… Read more »

Mozart
Mozart
4 months ago

Utterly depressing. Give the people a choice and call an election

Ernie The Smallholder
Ernie The Smallholder
4 months ago

The Labour party must have a death wish. The Labour Party can choose who they like as their leader, but as a result of their choice they automatically become First Minister without a general election. Is that democratic ? Why didn’t the Labour party in Wales have a deputy leader already chosen at the time of the Senedd GE election back in 2021 when the electorate would have known who would take over when Mark Drakeford retired from the role of leader ? PM Tony Blair had Gordon Brown as a deputy leader and both were known to the electorate.… Read more »

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago

I thought the 56 voted for first minister if they had a choice, rather than this abomination of a government picking the one with the title…no one seems to know the rules and N.C is complicit in maintaining that ignorance…as part of the plot and not the denouement…

David Jones
David Jones
4 months ago

Prosperity for all. A socialist none attainable dream where the slackers become as well off as the grafters, meaning self improvement is a waste of time and effort.

Last edited 4 months ago by David Jones
Johnny Gamble
Johnny Gamble
4 months ago
Reply to  David Jones

What has socialism ever done!
One person one vote, Weekends off,State Pensions, The right not to be unfairly dismissed at work, paid holidays,A health service,pays for our armed forces.
Anyone who says that socialism is dirty word shouldn’t have the audacity to take advantage of the above mentioned.

Old Curmudgeon
Old Curmudgeon
4 months ago
Reply to  Johnny Gamble

It’s a pity that labour are moving away from socialism.

Adrian
Adrian
4 months ago
Reply to  Johnny Gamble

Half of the public sector ‘working’ from home, rife absenteeism, no GP appointments, the complete collapse of dental treatment, a health service that’s a basket case, a public sector pension bill that exceeds GDP, countless unelected quangos, strikes, corrupt politicians in positions of power, criminalised ones enjoying index-linked pensions…I could go on.

Johnny Gamble
Johnny Gamble
4 months ago
Reply to  Adrian

Agree because Today’s Labour party which began with Blair inherited Tory policies.
What you have stated has been the result of 14 years of Tory Westminster government.
No one else to blame but the Tories.

Johnny Gamble
Johnny Gamble
4 months ago
Reply to  Adrian

If you read my post carefully I stated about what was achieved previously, not in The days since Margaret Thatcher.
If you object to what former Socialists have fought for you then don’t use the NHS and forfeit your right to a State Pension.

Frank
Frank
4 months ago

How about asking the tea lady if she would like a go at being First Minister or, even better why don’t they ask the Welsh people to vote on it instead of it being an inside “fixed” job.

Howie
Howie
4 months ago

I have a suspicion that she is getting the poisoned chalice as some in Labour Senedd have woken up to the fact that 2026 will be a year Welsh Labour will not want to remember.

Old Curmudgeon
Old Curmudgeon
4 months ago
Reply to  Howie

I am beginning to hope so.

Why vote
Why vote
4 months ago

It appears the welsh labour party “senedd” department has achieved a new world first being unable to achive the basic level of competence to govern the part of a country that the westminster government allows them to destroy. Their efficency of destruction of all the departments they are responsible for is astounding everything they touch is underfunded and understaffed unable to achieve minimum standards in all areas. And it appears the old saying has a grain of truth to it that if a government employee is incompetent instead of termination of their contract they are promoted to remove them from… Read more »

CapM
CapM
4 months ago
Reply to  Why vote

“or rid Wales of this unnecessary layer of joking government.”

Looks like you’ve identified a reason to vote.

Reinstate direct rule to Westminster. Giving you three voting options.

Labour for an incremental return to mostly direct rule.
Tory for a quicker and complete return to direct rule
Reform for immediate implementation of Cymru’s absorption by Greater England.

“Spoilt for choice” would now be a more accurate name than “Why vote”

Old Curmudgeon
Old Curmudgeon
4 months ago

At least if she becomes FM perhaps Health will improve

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago
Reply to  Old Curmudgeon

That is what could be thought of as a sick joke…who could possibly improve matters from that stable !

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago
Reply to  Mab Meirion

Ken Skates has been suggested…

Billy James
Billy James
4 months ago
Reply to  Mab Meirion

No chance he is from North Wales….

Labour are ruled by the ex South Glamorgan Labour mob…
Drakeford served as a councillor with her father & conveniently refused to discipline her over her speeding charges….

Welsh Patriot
Welsh Patriot
4 months ago

Sadly, given the 29 MS’s Welsh Labour have to pick from, I’m afraid not one is on any decent calibre.
Wait until we see Vaughan Gething back in the Government as minister for the environment. His first job will be to pop down to Whittyhedge and clear the stink!

Jeff
Jeff
4 months ago

Should keep this organ occupied for a while.

Welsh Patriot
Welsh Patriot
4 months ago

This is an extract from the Standards Commissioner Report into Eluned Morgan in April 2022, regarding her repeated speeding and subsequent driving ban. [I am satisfied that Ms Morgan’s conduct did as, {redacted} asserted not up-hold “the high standards of conduct expected by an MS” and that it did breach the Integrity Principle. The conduct set a very poor example to others. I am satisfied that it breached the Leadership Principle. It follows that I am satisfied it breached Rule 1 and Rule 3 of the code of conduct for an MS] How can someone, whom the Standards Commissioner said… Read more »

Old Curmudgeon
Old Curmudgeon
4 months ago
Reply to  Welsh Patriot

You may have just listed the qualities required for the post. A precedent has now been set after the last one.

John Ellis
John Ellis
4 months ago

So it looks likely right now to turn out to be an uncontested ‘coronation’.

Perhaps not the best of starts.

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
4 months ago

Read again that is both pathetic and obscenely sycophantic, from too many sides…

What is it about this chimera that holds so much sway over the Welsh Labour Party?

Simply a title, a knee jerk genuflection to all the Religious in that building…?

Any respect for the electorate is purely illusionary…

A most unhealthy state of affairs by all measures…

Riki
Riki
4 months ago

You haven’t got a voice in Westminster – The people of Wales have a whisper!

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