News

Eluned Morgan voted in as Wales’ first female First Minister

Published

2 years ago

August 6, 2024

Eluned Morgan has been voted in as Wales’ first female First Minister, taking the reins at a critical juncture for the country. With the official confirmation occurring today, Ms Morgan becomes the sixth person to hold the role. Eluned Morgan was elected Welsh Labour leader on 24 July after Vaughan Gething triggered the second leadership contest of the year for the party by standing down. The process, expected to stretch into autumn, was expedited as Mrs Morgan was the sole candidate and thus elected unopposed.

In her inaugural speech as First Minister, Mrs Morgan expressed that it was the “greatest honour of my life” to be Wales’ first female MS, a statement met with applause. Reflecting on her upbringing in Ely, Cardiff, she shared how her early experiences of inequality shaped her commitment to listening and addressing the concerns of all communities.

Mrs Morgan reiterated her vision for a “fairer, greener and more prosperous” Wales, highlighting her dedication to public service spanning 30 years, from the European Parliament to Westminster, and the Senedd. She pledged to be a “listening First Minister, not just to those who shout the loudest” and to lead a government driven by “a sense of service and respect for the people I serve.”

Addressing the internal challenges within the Labour group, she emphasised her focus on issues that genuinely impact communities. She spoke of creating opportunities for everyone to contribute to Wales’ shared success, regardless of background, and stressed the importance of restoring public trust in politics. “Our differences can be a source of strength, not division,” she remarked, underscoring her commitment to inclusivity.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth congratulated Mrs Morgan, noting the historic significance of her appointment. He reiterated his party’s call for an early election, citing Labour’s internal conflicts and the need for a mandate under the new leadership. He questioned how Mrs Morgan would reset the relationship between the Welsh and UK governments and address the pressing challenges Wales faces.

Conservative group leader Andrew RT Davies also extended his congratulations, acknowledging the “significant moment” and the new dynamic a female First Minister brings. He raised concerns about the challenges ahead and the need for engagement with Parliament during the recess. Mr Davies asked about the energy Mrs Morgan would bring to her new role and sought clarification on the functioning of the deputy First Minister.

Mrs Morgan concluded her speech with a commitment to lead a government that is proactive and responsive to the needs of the Welsh people. She highlighted her dedication to fighting poverty through economic growth, improving the NHS and education system, and addressing the climate and nature emergencies.

As Wales’ new First Minister, Eluned Morgan steps into her role with numerous challenges but also significant opportunities to shape the future of the nation. Her historic appointment marks a new chapter in Welsh politics, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to inclusivity and progress.

Today’s Senedd vote, required to formally appoint her as First Minister, was conducted via a roll call, with members allowed to vote remotely due to the summer break. The final tally saw Eluned Morgan securing 28 votes, with Andrew RT Davies obtaining 15 votes, and Rhun ap Iorwerth receiving 12 votes. There was one abstention out of the 56 votes cast in total. Here is a detailed breakdown of the votes:

Rhys ab Owen MS (Ind): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Mick Antoniw MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Mabon ap Gwynfor MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Rhun ap Iorwerth MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Natasha Asghar MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Hannah Blythyn MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Dawn Bowden MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Jayne Bryant MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Cefin Campbell MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Hefin David MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Alun Davies MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Andrew RT Davies MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Gareth Davies MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Paul Davies MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Jane Dodds MS (Lib Dem): Abstain
Mark Drakeford MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
James Evans MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Rebecca Evans MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Janet Finch-Saunders MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Luke Fletcher MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Peter Fox MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Heledd Fychan MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Russell George MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Vaughan Gething MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Tom Giffard MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
John Griffiths MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Lesley Griffiths MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Llyr Gruffydd MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Siân Gwenllian MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Mike Hedges MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Vikki Howells MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Altaf Hussain MS (Conservatives): Not voting
Jane Hutt MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Huw Irranca-Davies MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Mark Isherwood MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Joel James MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Julie James MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Delyth Jewell MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Elin Jones MS (Plaid Cymru): No vote as presiding officer
Laura Anne Jones MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Samuel Kurtz MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Jeremy Miles MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Darren Millar MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Eluned Morgan MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Julie Morgan MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Sarah Murphy MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Lynne Neagle MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Peredur Owen Griffiths MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Rhianon Passmore MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Adam Price MS (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth
Jenny Rathbone MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
David Rees MS (Labour): No vote as deputy presiding officer
Sam Rowlands MS (Conservatives): Andrew RT Davies
Jack Sargeant MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Ken Skates MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Carolyn Thomas MS (Labour): No vote
Lee Waters MS (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Joyce Watson (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Buffy Williams (Labour): Eluned Morgan
Sioned Williams (Plaid Cymru): Rhun ap Iorwerth

Alasdair McDiarmid, Assistant General Secretary for steelworkers’ union Community, said: “We congratulate Eluned Morgan on becoming Wales’ new First Minister, and the first woman to hold the role. This represents a significant moment for the labour movement in Wales and the UK. Eluned’s long record of public service and her strong commitment to social justice make her an ideal fit for the role.

“As the leading union representing workers at Tata Steel, we are working closely with Welsh Government to support our members at Port Talbot, Llanwern and Trostre, and all downstream sites during this uncertain and challenging time.

“Indeed, our workplace reps and officials from Port Talbot held a productive meeting with the incoming First Minister and Deputy First Minister last week. During that meeting, they were assured that the new leadership team recognises the critical importance of the steel industry to the Welsh economy and to communities across South Wales, and that the Welsh Labour Government – working with the UK Labour Government – will be doing everything in its power to stand with our steelworkers and safeguard the future of the sector. We welcome that strong commitment, and look forward to working closely with First Minister Eluned Morgan and her team to deliver for our members.”

Community is the steelworkers’ union. More steelworkers are members of Community than any other union, and the union represents the vast majority of workers impacted by Tata’s decarbonisation plans in South Wales.

Community

Homeless people in Pembrokeshire at risk as heatwave continues

Published

46 minutes ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.”

Community

Local engineering student wins £5,000 South Hook scholarship

Published

50 minutes ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

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.

News

Heroes used hammers to free passengers after X11 bus overturned near Kidwelly

Published

1 hour ago

June 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

NINETEEN people were injured after a bus overturned near Kidwelly, sparking a major emergency response and leaving witnesses describing the scene as “like a warzone”.

The X11 service crashed on the A484 near the Parc y Bocs roundabout at around 12:20pm on Tuesday (Jun 23).

Six people were taken to hospital and 13 others were treated and discharged at the scene. Dyfed-Powys Police said none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.

***Dean and Martyn who were in a van travelling behind the bus, immediately started to help following the accident***

A major incident was declared, with police, fire crews, ambulance teams and two Wales Air Ambulance helicopters sent to the scene. The incident was later stood down at around 5:30pm.

Among the first to help were Martyn Pope, from Ferryside, and Dean Hollands, from Mynydd y Garreg, who were travelling behind the bus in a van.

The pair, who work at Bryn Illtud and Erw Hir care homes, grabbed hammers from their vehicle and rushed into the field to help trapped passengers.

Mr Pope said: “As we came around the corner the coach was in the field.

“We’ve got tools in the back of the van so we grabbed a couple of hammers and dashed down onto the field.

“People were crying and screaming.”

Mr Hollands said adrenaline took over as they began breaking through the bus to reach those inside.

He said one woman was lying on broken glass because the vehicle had come to rest on its side.

“Martyn went to the front, I went to the back, pulled one old lady out and an old chap. Then me and Martyn took the doors out,” he said.

They also helped a man with a baby and a dog escape from the bus.

Inside the vehicle, food shopping, debris and disabled walkers were scattered across the smashed windows, making the rescue even more difficult.

Mr Pope said passengers had suffered cuts, head injuries, dislocations and broken bones, while many were badly shaken.

The men later discovered that one of the elderly women they helped was the mother of a colleague from the care home. She had suffered broken ribs and a broken hip.

A rest centre was set up at the John Burns Centre, where welfare arrangements were made for those involved.

Hywel Dda University Health Board warned at the time that A&E waiting times were likely to be longer as hospitals dealt with those most in need.

One passenger, 17-year-old Connor Morgan Smith, had been travelling to Swansea to meet friends.

His mother, Sally-Ann Morgan Smith, said she received a call from him at 1:50pm.

She said: “From what he told me, a car overtook a bike and the bus braked hard. The bus was juddering and then it hit the verge and went over.”

She described the journey to reach her son as “the longest journey ever”.

“He might be 17, but he’s still my baby,” she said.

Connor was taken to Glangwili Hospital after his pulse became very high. He was later said to be shaken but recovering, with a bad knee, a bad arm and aches across his body.

His mother said she was “100% proud” of him after he activated the emergency exit shortly after the crash.

Local farmer Jacko Thomas, who rents the field where the bus overturned, said he had been due to mow there that day.

He helped move injured passengers away from the scene using his pickup and John Deere farm buggy.

He said: “The bus was on its side and bodies were everywhere. I was gobsmacked. Honest to God, I was just going to go mow that field.”

Mr Thomas said he had long feared a serious crash on that stretch of road.

“The roads aren’t fit for purpose,” he said.

“They’re not wide enough for buses or lorries.”

Dyfed-Powys Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.