Eluned Morgan nominated as the new First Minister of Wales

Eluned Morgan has today been nominated as the new First Minister of Wales, following a vote in the Senedd.

The Health Secretary, who became leader of Welsh Labour last month, has created history by becoming the first woman to be First Minister of Wales.

Eluned has a long history of commitment to public service and to the service of working people, having served in the European Parliament, the House of Lords and the Senedd.

The First Minister will begin work on forming the new Welsh Cabinet, with appointments to be announced later this week.

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said:

“It is the greatest honour of my life to stand before you as the first woman to become the First Minister of Wales. As First Minister, I promise to champion voices and experiences, which have too often been sidelined and silenced.  

“I hope to be defined by my unwavering commitment to the people of Wales, by my years of public service and my determination to create a fairer, greener and more prosperous nation for us all.  

“A leader focused on delivery and on ambition for our nation. A leader driven by a sense of service and respect for the people I serve."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, commenting on the historic nomination, said:

“Eluned has today made history as the first ever woman to become First Minister of Wales and she has my heartfelt congratulations and support.

“Eluned has a long history of public service and her commitment to delivering for the people of Wales is unwavering. I know she will lead a unified and ambitious Welsh government.

“Labour in Wales and Westminster will work side by side firmly in the service of working people. In this new chapter, we will deliver growth in all parts of our nations and deliver the high quality public services that people deserve.”

Jo Stevens MP, Labour's Welsh Secretary, said:

"Eluned makes long awaited history today as the first woman to become First Minister in Wales and the whole of our Labour movement are proud to support her.

"Bringing thirty years of extensive political experience to the role, Eluned is a compassionate, pragmatic leader who will listen with care and deliver with conviction.

"I am looking forward to working with Eluned to realise a bright, ambitious future for Wales. Two Labour governments, working together, will deliver on the priorities of people across Wales."