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.

Education

Carmarthenshire schools praised as careers pilot expands nationwide

Published

5 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLS in Carmarthenshire have been recognised for improving careers education as a national rollout of a new award scheme moves a step closer.

The Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA), which has been piloted since September 2023, has involved 66 schools and education settings across Wales. These include primary and secondary schools, special schools, pupil referral units and EOTAS provisions.

Among those taking part are Ysgol Glan-y-Mor, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie and Burry Port Community Primary School.

Early feedback from the pilot suggests schools have strengthened leadership and planning around careers education, improved engagement with parents and employers, and increased pupils’ involvement in shaping their own learning. Teachers have also reported greater confidence in delivering careers-related lessons.

The scheme focuses on careers and work-related experiences for learners aged three to 16, aligned with the Curriculum for Wales.

Registration has now opened for schools across Wales to join the programme from September 2026.

The award is split into three stages — leadership, development and impact — designed to help schools build a structured approach to careers education and demonstrate its impact on pupils.

A national rollout will also introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, aimed at recognising progress while allowing flexibility for different schools.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said the pilot had helped shape the scheme ahead of its wider launch.

He said: “High-quality careers and work-related experiences play an essential role in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“We’re encouraged by the positive impact we’re already seeing and look forward to welcoming more schools to take part.”

News

Stepaside school ‘under threat’ as MS challenges data behind closure fears

Published

14 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Samuel Kurtz warns decisions must be based on “watertight” evidence

STEPASIDE School in Kilgetty is facing uncertainty after concerns were raised that it could be under threat of closure.

South Pembrokeshire MS Samuel Kurtz has publicly questioned the data being used to assess the school’s future, warning that any decision must be based on “reliable and robust criteria.”

The local Senedd Member said he had been contacted with concerns that some of the figures used to determine whether the school should remain open “may not be entirely accurate.”

In a statement shared online, Kurtz said: “Stepaside School in Kilgetty is under threat, but should it be?

“Concerns have been raised with me that some of the data used to decide whether the school should remain open may not be entirely accurate.

“I have therefore challenged the Welsh Government to provide reassurance that the local authority is using reliable and robust criteria.

“Decisions of this importance must not be taken unless the evidence is absolutely watertight.”

The intervention follows comments made by Kurtz in the Senedd, where he highlighted that the school serves a growing local community and has maintained a stable pupil population of around 100 over the past five years.

He also pointed out that the school supports a high number of pupils with Additional Learning Needs and operates from a relatively modern building in good condition.

Kurtz questioned how Pembrokeshire County Council is calculating surplus places and whether any potential closure would comply with Welsh Government policies, including the Rural Schools Code.

Responding on behalf of the Welsh Government, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip Jane Hutt said that school organisation decisions are led by local authorities within a framework of national guidance.

She added that any proposals would emerge “in the coming weeks and months.”

No formal proposal to close Stepaside School has yet been confirmed.

However, the comments are likely to raise concern among parents and residents in the Kilgetty area, particularly amid wider debates about the future of smaller and rural schools across Wales.

Crime

Milford roofer fined after abusive call to rival firm

Published

25 minutes ago

March 25, 2026

Sarah-Jane Absalom

56-year-old admitted making threats and using offensive language in business dispute

A MILFORD HAVEN roofer has been fined after making an abusive and threatening phone call to a rival company.

Haverfordwest magistrates heard that on Sunday (Feb 2), John Fitzgerald, 56, made a single phone call to a competing roofing business.

“During the course of the phone call, threats were made to the other company’s boss,” said Crown Prosecutor Nia James.

“The reason for the threats was that the defendant believes this other company is taking business away from him. The lady who took the call felt alarmed and distressed as he used foul language towards her.”

The court heard the victim contacted police following the incident but chose not to provide a victim impact statement and did not seek a restraining order.

“When he was spoken to by officers he said he’d been a d***,” added Nia James.

“He said he’d had a couple of beers and was getting wound up, as he was fed up with them nicking his work. But it was just one phone call.”

Representing Fitzgerald, Fenn Richards said he accepted his wrongdoing.

“He accepts wrongdoing as he’d had a few too many drinks, he made the phone call, and people were winding him up,” she said.

“The defendant has been in the roofing trade since he was 14, and he believed this person had set up a new business and was taking business away from him. But he didn’t mean any harm by it.”

Fitzgerald, of Elm Lane, Milford Haven, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £32 surcharge.