Eluned Morgan selected as Wales's new first minister after Vaughan Gething's resignation
Welsh Labour leader Baroness Morgan is the first woman to hold the position.
Tuesday 6 August 2024 16:50, UK
Eluned Morgan has been selected as Wales's first minister - the first woman to hold the role.
Baroness Morgan was confirmed as first minister in a vote of Senedd members on Tuesday morning.
The Welsh parliament was recalled from summer recess for a special meeting to vote for a new first minister after the resignation of Vaughan Gething as Welsh Labour leader.
The new first minister received 28 votes, Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies secured 15 and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth received 12 nominations.
Read more: Who is Wales's new first minister?
Mr Gething faced questions over a controversial £200k donation and the sacking of a minister, before four members of his government quit.
The contest to succeed Mr Gething had been expected to run until September.
But Baroness Morgan, who has been Wales's health secretary since 2021, won the ensuing leadership election unopposed.
She stood on a joint ticket with rural affairs secretary Huw Irranca-Davies, who she is expected to appoint as her deputy.
The pair have pledged "strength, stability and unity", with a focus on "improving the things that matter most" for people across the country.
'Greatest honour'
The only item on the agenda of the 36-minute Senedd session on Tuesday was the vote to nominate a new first minister.
After securing the backing of the Senedd, Baroness Morgan said it was a "historic day".
She said it was the "greatest honour" of her life to become the first female first minister of Wales, which was met with applause from the public gallery.
The first minister designate thanked Mr Gething for his service as her predecessor.
"My vision for Wales is one where everyone can contribute to our shared success regardless of background," she said.
"I will be a listening first minister, listening to all, not just those who shout the loudest or who have the most power."
Speaking to Sky News after her appointment, Baroness Morgan refused to rule out a role for her predecessor within the new government.
"In terms of what happens in future in terms of the cabinet, that will be something that I'll be making announcements on in the near future," she said.
"I'm not making any commitments in terms of those cabinet positions until I'm ready to do so."
Sir Keir Starmer said Baroness Morgan "brings with her a wealth of experience and track record of delivery".
"I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Eluned to deliver on our promises to Wales and Britain," he added.
Scotland's first minister John Swinney said he looked forward to working with Wales's new leader.
"I have no doubt she will lead her government with passion and determination, steadfastly standing up for the people of Wales," he said.
Welsh Conservative leader Mr Davies described Baroness Morgan's nomination as a "significant moment in [Wales's] political history".
"You are the third first minister in this year and ultimately that has had a very corrosive effect," he added.
"I look forward, where we can, to working with you."
Plaid Cymru's Mr ap Iorwerth said there had been a "political storm" in Wales.
The party has called for a fresh election to the Senedd, but accused Labour and the Conservatives of not wanting to face the electorate.
He said Plaid Cymru would both "challenge" the government and "work together".
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Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said it was "very nice" to have a female voice joining her as a political leader in Wales.
She said recent weeks had "cast a shadow on Welsh politics" and that it had "personally pained" her to see the "erosion of trust" with the public.
Ms Dodds, who abstained from the vote, said it was "a signal" to the first minister that the "real work of government starts now".
Elin Jones, the Senedd's Llywydd (presiding officer), said after the vote: "25 years later we've finally smashed through that glass ceiling."