Eluned Morgan Set to Become Wales' First Female First Minister

Eluned Morgan has been announced as the first female leader of Welsh Labour, positioning her to become Wales' next first minister following her installation by the Senedd, with the date yet to be determined. One of her initial challenges will be addressing the Welsh government's financial allocations, a task that could lead to further complications for her administration. The recent resignation of four senior Welsh government members, aimed at ousting former minister Vaughan Gething, has highlighted existing divisions within Labour. Morgan, who has served as Wales' health secretary since 2021, has pledged to unite the party and mend the rifts that have emerged. Her support for Gething during his tenure may influence her ability to foster collaboration within the party. The new first minister will need to secure cooperation from opposition parties, as Labour cannot govern effectively in the Senedd or pass its upcoming budget without their assistance. The reluctance of Plaid Cymru and Welsh Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds to collaborate with Gething contributed to his downfall, and they may be more amenable to negotiating with Morgan. As she steps into her new role, Morgan will face intensified scrutiny regarding the performance of the Welsh NHS, a critical issue for the public. Additionally, the upcoming Senedd election in 2026, which will expand the number of members from 60 to 96, looms large. Morgan is acutely aware of Labour's declining support in Wales, which fell by 4% in the most recent general election compared to 2019, a trend that has raised concerns among party members about Gething's leadership.