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Eluned Morgan sworn in as First Minister of Wales
06/08/2024
Eluned Morgan has been sworn in as the new First Minister of Wales, the third leader of the country this year.
She succeeds Vaughan Gething, who lasted less than 140 days as first minister, having presided over a turbulent period in office, beset by rows over donations and sacked ministers.
Baroness Morgan, 57, was confirmed as leader of the Welsh Labour Party on July 24, but could not take over as First Minister without a vote in the Senedd.
The Welsh Parliament, which would normally be on summer break, was recalled on Tuesday to allow Baroness Morgan, the health minister, to take over as leader of the Welsh government.
She becomes the first woman to lead the country.
She had the support of the Labour members of the Senedd while Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives voted for their respective party leaders.
Jane Dodds, the sole Liberal Democrat, abstained from endorsing a candidate, despite having supported Mr Gething earlier this year.
The opposition parties putting forward alternative choices was largely symbolic, with neither having enough votes to secure the role.
In total, Baroness Morgan received 28 votes, one more than her predecessor Mr Gething.
The Conservatives’ Andrew RT Davies won 15 votes and Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth 12 votes.
Her backers include the outgoing FM Mr Gething.
Baroness Morgan is the first woman to lead the Welsh government in its 25-year history, something she has said she is extremely proud of.
She is also the third leader of Welsh Labour this year, after a difficult few months since Mr Gething took over from Mark Drakeford in March.
Mr Gething announced his intention to resign last month after four members of his government quit, criticising his leadership.
During the last leadership race, Mr Gething took a £200,000 donation for his campaign from a company owned by a man twice convicted of environmental offences, which led to some members of his own party criticising his judgment.
In June, Mr Gething lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd, after rows over the donation, and his decision to sack Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn as a minister.
Baroness Morgan ran on a “unity ticket”, promising to bring the Labour group back together.
Published: by Radio NewsHub