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Eluned Morgan announces bid to become Wales’ first female First Minister

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ELUNED MORGAN has officially declared her candidacy to succeed Vaughan Gething as Wales’ First Minister. The current health secretary is aiming to become the next Welsh Labour leader, presenting a unified front with Huw Irranca-Davies as her prospective deputy.

Morgan’s bid is grounded on a “joint unity ticket” with Irranca-Davies, signalling a move towards consolidating party unity after a period of internal strife that culminated in Gething’s resignation. Addressing a press conference, Morgan emphasised the need for Welsh Labour to learn from recent acrimonious events, which saw Gething ousted following a spate of resignations.

The announcement was made a press conference (Image M Tierney/Herald)

As it stands, the likelihood of a contest appears slim, with no other Senedd politicians expected to enter the race. Should this remain unchanged by the 12:00 BST deadline on Wednesday, Morgan will automatically ascend as the new Welsh Labour leader. Her success would mark a historic moment, as she would become Wales’ first female First Minister.

During her press conference, Morgan underscored the lessons Welsh Labour must heed from the turmoil leading to Gething’s resignation. She introduced Irranca-Davies as her “right-hand man,” aiming to fortify their leadership. Notably, former First Minister Mark Drakeford lent his support, lauding Morgan as a “great campaigning leader.”

Morgan’s campaign has already garnered significant backing, with 15 of the 30 Welsh Labour Senedd members publicly endorsing her. This tally includes key figures like former minister Julie James, former counsel general Mick Antoniw, and Neath MS Jeremy Miles, all of whom were instrumental in Gething’s resignation.

Morgan and Irranca-Davies presented a united front at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, pledging to restore public confidence in Welsh Labour. They eschewed party factionalism, aligning themselves with the broader Welsh Labour radical tradition that has shaped the party and the country since devolution.

Morgan said her bid is grounded on a “joint unity ticket” (Image M Tierney/Herald)

Morgan highlighted the importance of a female leader, stating, “It is high time Wales had a female leader.” Addressing the practicality of their leadership arrangement, she pointed out the necessity for shared leadership during crises, positioning Irranca-Davies as a key partner.

Drakeford’s endorsement adds weight to Morgan’s candidacy. He praised her potential as a “great campaigning leader,” poised to advance Welsh Labour’s message across Wales and work synergistically with the UK Labour government. Drakeford’s previous neutrality in leadership contests makes his current endorsement particularly notable.

The concept of a “joint” ticket is unprecedented in Welsh Labour leadership contests. Morgan’s strategy includes a promise to appoint Irranca-Davies as deputy, showcasing an effort to unify the party. This role, although existing in coalition arrangements, has not been a feature within the Labour party itself, marking a formalisation of leadership coverage during the First Minister’s absence.

The announcement has elicited varied reactions. Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies criticised Morgan’s tenure as health secretary, pointing to poor NHS waiting times. Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth accused Labour of prioritising party management over policy innovation, suggesting that continued Labour leadership would perpetuate existing issues in Wales’ economic, health, and educational sectors.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether any late challengers will emerge. Should Morgan remain unopposed, her leadership will mark a significant shift for Welsh Labour, potentially ushering in a new era with her at the helm as Wales’ first female First Minister. With backing from key party figures and a clear strategy for unity and leadership, Morgan stands poised to steer Welsh Labour through the coming months and into the next electoral cycle.

 

Community

Homeless people in Pembrokeshire at risk as heatwave continues

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HOMELESS people in Pembrokeshire are being offered extra support as Wales continues to face extreme heat.

The Wallich, which runs rough sleeping outreach and drop-in support in Haverfordwest, said people sleeping rough, living in cars, or staying in poor quality temporary accommodation are among those most at risk during the heatwave.

Outreach teams are helping people stay safe by offering water, sun cream, hats, wet wipes and other essentials.

Jamie-Lee Cole, Strategic Communications Lead for The Wallich, said: “People on the streets and living in poor quality or temporary housing are the most affected by climate change.

“They are the most exposed to extreme weather events like a heatwave, as well as heavy rain and cold in the winter.”

The charity said it is also offering advice on dehydration, sunstroke, worsening health conditions, wounds, and the added risks of drug and alcohol use during hot weather.

People are being encouraged to use cooler public spaces, such as libraries and support centres, during the hottest parts of the day.

The Wallich said some councils in Wales have activated Severe Weather Emergency Protocol, but called for all local authorities to include specific heatwave plans.

Ms Cole added: “It’s a sign of the times unfortunately that extreme heat will feature year on year, and we must make sure there are adequate and cool daytime spaces for people experiencing homelessness to access.”

The charity is also supporting people sleeping in cars, warning that vehicles can become dangerously hot.

Members of the public in Pembrokeshire are being urged to check on anyone they are worried about.

Ms Cole said: “If someone looks unwell and you feel safe to approach them, ask if they’re okay.

“Encourage them to move into shade or a cooler space. Alert emergency services if you think someone needs help in the heat.

“Offer people experiencing homelessness a cold drink and a chat, just like you would anyone else in your community.”

 

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Community

Local engineering student wins £5,000 South Hook scholarship

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A FORMER Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi pupil has been awarded a £5,000 scholarship by South Hook LNG.

Henry Raymond, who is in the second year of a five-year Chemical and Environmental Engineering degree at the University of Nottingham, is the latest recipient of the company’s annual scholarship award.

South Hook said Henry had shown strong academic performance, a clear work ethic, and a keen interest in the role of engineering within the energy sector.

The scholarship is aimed at supporting local students as they progress in higher education, particularly in engineering, science and business-related subjects.

Applicants are assessed through a written application and an informal interview, with the award forming part of South Hook LNG’s wider commitment to supporting education and young people in the local area.

Henry was invited to South Hook earlier this year, where he was presented with a certificate and the £5,000 award. The funding will help with student costs over the remainder of his studies.

Henry said: “I’m very grateful to South Hook to have received this award. The financial support will make a huge difference to life as a student, and it’s incredible to have this kind of backing from a major player in the energy industry.”

South Hook LNG’s General Manager, Hamad Al Samra said: “We are pleased to have once again received applications from so many committed and capable young people.

“The team involved in the selection process at South Hook were particularly impressed by Henry’s dedication and commitment to his chosen subject.

“We are pleased to offer our support and wish him the very best in his future studies.”

South Hook LNG’s Scholarship Programme encourages applications from local students seeking higher education in engineering, science or business-related disciplines.

Details of how to apply for the 2026/27 award will be available on the company’s website during September.

Scholarship success: Henry Raymond, South Hook LNG’s 2026 scholarship recipient, with members of the South Hook team involved in assessing the applications.

 

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Farming

Rural Wales ‘left out’ of net zero debate, warns carbon entrepreneur

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A WELSH carbon entrepreneur has warned that rural Wales risks being left behind in the national conversation about net zero.

Cai Matthews said farmers and land-based businesses are too often treated as people who will be affected by climate policy, rather than as people who can help shape it.

Writing for the Institute of Welsh Affairs’ welsh agenda, Mr Matthews said much of the debate around a “just transition” in Wales focuses on cities, heavy industry, transport, digital jobs and renewable energy.

He said those areas matter, but warned that they do not reflect the reality of a country where most of the land is rural or agricultural.

Mr Matthews said: “Farmers in Wales are visible in the just transition conversation primarily as potential victims of it.

“They are not framed as producers of economic value in the green economy. They are not framed as innovators.”

He said rural communities are often overlooked because their problems are less visible than the closure of a factory or the loss of thousands of jobs in one town.

Instead, he said, pressure builds quietly through low farm incomes, reliance on subsidy, mental health strain, and young people struggling to see a future on family farms.

Mr Matthews argued that Welsh farmland should be seen as a major economic asset in the climate transition.

He pointed to agroforestry, soil improvement, biodiversity work and biochar as examples of land-based climate work that can remove carbon while also supporting nature.

He said farmers could earn additional income by selling verified carbon removal alongside food production, but warned that the system must be designed fairly.

Carbon markets, he said, were not a complete answer to the problems facing rural Wales, but could provide a valuable second income stream if farmers were not priced out or exploited by outside platforms.

Mr Matthews said the danger was that companies and organisations outside Wales would build the infrastructure, take the value, and leave farmers with only a small share.

He said Wales should instead build its own system, rooted in Welsh law, Welsh land and Welsh communities.

Mr Matthews, who works with Clo Carbon Cymru, said the Well-being of Future Generations Act should give Wales a strong foundation for this work, but only if its principles are turned into practical action.

He said the next Welsh Government should recognise that some of the work needed for a just transition is already happening on the ground.

He added: “The question for the next Welsh Government isn’t whether it can architect a just transition from the top down.

“It’s whether it can recognise the one being built from the ground up, and decide to stand behind it.”

The intervention comes as farming unions continue to argue that rural Wales must not be sidelined in climate, biodiversity and land-use policy.

Mr Matthews said the issue was not simply about asking for more investment in rural areas, but about recognising farmers as active partners in building Wales’ future economy.

 

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