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Health Secretary Eluned Morgan eyes Welsh Labour leadership

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ELUNED MORGAN has announced she is “giving serious consideration” to standing for the leadership of Welsh Labour and, by extension, becoming the next First Minister of Wales. This follows the decision of Jeremy Miles, who was considered a strong contender, to withdraw his candidacy and back Morgan instead.

Miles’s endorsement significantly boosts Morgan’s campaign, suggesting she might run unopposed in the upcoming leadership election to replace Vaughan Gething. Miles stated that Morgan’s leadership would “enable us all to move forward,” signalling a desire for unity within the party.

Health Secretary Morgan has indicated that if she stands, it will be alongside Huw Irranca-Davies, aiming to restore cohesion within the divided Labour group in the Senedd. Speaking on Sunday, she said, “I’ve had a huge amount of encouragement to stand from all factions of the party. If I were to stand, it will be on a joint ticket with Huw Irranca-Davies as a deputy minister, demonstrating our focus on uniting the group and refocusing on the issues that matter to the people of Wales.”

Welsh Labour’s timetable requires candidates to secure nominations by Wednesday, 24th July. Each candidate must have the support of at least five other Members of the Senedd (MSs) to qualify. It seems increasingly likely that no other candidate will meet this threshold, potentially making Morgan the sole contender.

Despite this, Morgan has expressed her preference for a contested election. “I’m very happy for there to be a contest that allows party members to have their say and for contenders to set out their stall,” she remarked.

Miles’s decision to support Morgan came after his resignation as Economy Secretary, a move that precipitated Gething’s resignation. Miles emphasised his belief that Morgan is best positioned to lead both the party and the country forward. “Her leadership would enable us all to move forward, united in delivering the vision of the Welsh Labour government,” he said. He praised Morgan’s commitment to fairness, prosperity, a greener future, and a strong devolution settlement.

Morgan has been at the helm of the health portfolio since 2021, first as Health Minister under Mark Drakeford and then as Health Secretary under Gething. Additionally, she holds the title of Baroness Morgan of Ely in the House of Lords and previously served as a Member of the European Parliament for 15 years. She also contested the Labour leadership in 2018, which Mark Drakeford won, but did not stand in the subsequent contest that saw Gething ascend to leadership.

The leadership vote was triggered by Gething’s resignation following a turbulent period involving controversies over donations and the sacking of a minister. Despite surviving a confidence vote, internal dissent ultimately led to his departure.

The leadership contest’s timetable, announced after special meetings on Saturday, outlines that a new leader will be declared on 14th September. Voting will occur by post from 22nd August, with the new First Minister elected on 18th September.

Plaid Cymru has called for a Senedd election, citing concerns over yet another Labour First Minister without a direct mandate from voters. Rhun ap Iorwerth, the party leader, argued that Wales needs fresh leadership focused on the nation’s interests rather than Westminster’s.

However, Morgan dismissed calls for a snap election, asserting, “I don’t think there’s an appetite amongst the public for another election. We have a mandate from the last election. This is an opportunity for us to reset and prepare for the next general election.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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