Vaughan Gething hopes to ‘open doors for people who look like me’
First Minister Vaughan Gething used the King’s visit to the Senedd to share his connection with the English monarch and talk about his ‘responsibility’ to ‘open doors for people who look like me’.
Mr Gething’s speech came as King Charles III addressed the Welsh Parliament on a visit to celebrate 25 years since the then-National Assembly for Wales was established in 1999.
The First Minister was also keen to share his common ground with the king – delighting in their connection to Aberystwyth university, having both studied there.
“Authentic”
The First Minister said: “While I was sitting my final exams, another former student of that great Welsh university – another former resident of Pantycelyn hall of residence – was addressing the first National Assembly.
“Your majesty told members: in the Assembly the voice of Wales will have its authentic and vigorous expression, in ways not possible before Welsh minds will be directed to Welsh matters.
“Indeed, this was the very aim of devolution then as it is now.”
Mr Gething said devolution has evolved into an established part of the constitutional fabric of the UK over the past quarter of a century.
The first minister said Queen Elizabeth told the Senedd in 2003 that it is vital to the health – both of the UK and Wales – that democratic institutions flourish and adapt.
‘What next’
“And adapt we have,” said Mr Gething, pointing to the move to law-making powers and the introduction of the first Welsh taxes in 800 years as examples.
Looking to the future, he said: “Yma o hyd [still here] is not enough. Beth nesa and what is next must always be our mission.”
Europe’s first black leader told the Siambr part of the challenge is to ensure institutions reflect and represent all the communities of Wales.
He said: “As a black person and leader of my country, I know the responsibility I have to open doors for people who look like me to have the same opportunity to serve.”
In closing, the former lawyer said: “As we move to the next chapter in the history of devolution, I hope those of us here today will continue … to discharge our responsibility to improve the lives that it is our privilege to serve.
“Truly worthy of the people of Wales”
Taking a less self-focused approach, Rhun ap Iorwerth echoed the King’s words on the opening of the National Assembly in 1999: “This body is the modern expression of the spirit of Wales which has flourished through the centuries like a grand and sturdy tree.”
The Plaid Cymru leader, who was a political journalist at the time, described the the spirit of hope and sense of confidence in 1999 as electrifying
Mr ap Iorwerth said: “We must always sow new ideas and harvest change that makes a positive difference and genuine difference to the lives of our citizens.”
“In two years’ time this will become an even stronger, fairer parliament – more representative and more able to meet our citizens’ aspirations for the future.
“As we look ahead to the next 25 years and beyond, I hope we can all resolve to pursue those aspirations and continue to nurture our Senedd – our democracy – in a way that is truly worthy of the people of Wales.”
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“As a black person and leader of my country, I know the responsibility I have to open doors for people who look like me to have the same opportunity to serve.”
Whereas the responsibility to be an exemplary leader for people who look like him to have the same opportunity to serve was disposed of before he even opened the door for him self.
Look like him by all means – just don’t act behave like him
It should read: “I have to open doors for people who bung me £200,000”. This man’s hypocrisy is astounding.
This is the great thing about identity politics: it allows politicians and celebrities to reframe their selfish quests for fame, money and power as “inspirational”. (“I’m inspiring people who look like me to be like me.”) You don’t even need to do anything to help other members of your group, since you are helping them just by being successful. And if you don’t immediately rejoice at the thought of Wales being filled with little replicas of Vaughan Gething, you are definitely not one of us.
Look like me? Does he mean looking smug and arrogant?
How belittling this comment is from gething. Why is it he is the only one bringing in the race card . Conservatives are a multiracial organisation Public offices are multiracial , Labour keeps banging on its multiracial, anyone who wants to get to the top it has nothing to do with colour but ability and education. For those who bang on about being a failure are a failure themselves. They have failed because of their own opinions and ego.