Wales Appoints First Female Leader Amid Scandal

LONDON (AP) — Eluned Morgan has been selected as the new leader of the Welsh Labour Party, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to hold this position. Her appointment comes in the wake of a leadership crisis following the resignation of Vaughan Gething, who stepped down last week amid a campaign donation scandal and internal party strife. Morgan's swift selection aims to restore unity within the party and avoid a protracted leadership contest. In her first remarks as leader, Morgan acknowledged the challenges faced by the party, stating, “We’ve been through a difficult time, we’re now looking to the future.” She emphasized the need for accountability regarding the recent turmoil, which has marred the party's image. Gething's brief tenure, lasting just over three months, was marked by controversy, including criticism over accepting significant donations from a recycling company linked to environmental violations. Gething made history as the first Black leader of a government in the U.K. but faced mounting pressure, culminating in a nonbinding no-confidence vote in June. His resignation followed the departure of four government members in protest, highlighting the divisions within Welsh Labour. Morgan, who also serves in the House of Lords, expressed her honor at leading the party during this pivotal time. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised her appointment as “fantastic news for Wales and the Labour Party,” signaling a hopeful outlook for the future of Welsh governance.