FORMER First Minister Eluned Morgan, who failed to secure a seat in the 2026 Senedd elections in Ceredigion Penfro, has spoken of her “honour” to serve in the role.

In the May 7 battle for six seats in the new Ceredigion Penfro constituency, stretching from north of Aberystwyth to Angle in the southwest and Llanteg in the southeast, Plaid Cymru gained three seats, Reform two and Welsh Conservatives one.

The elections saw seismic political changes in Wales with Plaid in the majority and Labour losing heavily across the country, including Ceredigion Penfro where former First Minister Eluned Morgan or any other Labour candidates failed to secure a seat.

Since her loss, Eluned has said it was “the greatest honour of my life to serve as First Minister of Wales and to represent the people of Mid and West Wales in the Senedd”.

In a statement, she added: “Public service is never about one person. It is about the people and communities who place their trust in you, the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes and the shared belief that Wales can always move forward together.

“I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey – my team, colleagues, campaigners, friends, my family and above all the people of Wales for giving me the privilege to serve.

“To the new Welsh Government, I send my very best wishes. Whatever our political differences, I believe we all want the same thing at heart: a fairer, stronger and more confident Wales.”

Fellow Labour candidate in the Ceredigion Penfro Senedd elections, also a Pembrokeshire county councillor for Narberth, Cllr Marc Tierney described Eluned as “a champion for causes that matter to so many of us — speaking up for those who could not, often without fanfare but with quiet, steady resolve”.

He added: “Both Welsh Labour and UK Labour will now need to take stock. Now is the time to consider, in depth, the significance of the losses suffered, and take genuine and measurable steps to regain the confidence of the public who have placed their trust in us so many times before.

“Eluned has said that she takes responsibility for the defeat. But I believe it is wrong for her to carry that burden alone. Others must examine their role, and the entire movement must work out — in a challenging but respectful way — what must change if we are to offer a real alternative to the politics of division that has featured so prominently of late.

“Welsh Labour and its membership must be brave. Our shared values must underpin the next chapter.”

Eluned Morgan has now been replaced as interim Senedd Labour leader by Ken Skates.

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has congratulated Cllr Mark Woodward after he was inaugurated as the town’s new Mayor and First Citizen.

Cllr Woodward was formally appointed on Monday evening, with Cllr Kathy Gray confirmed as Deputy Mayor.

Following the ceremony, Cllr Woodward said it was a “true honour and privilege” to take on the role, adding that it was something he had “never in my wildest dreams imagined would happen to me.”

He thanked his fellow councillors for their trust, as well as residents who had sent messages of congratulations.

Cllr Woodward also paid tribute to his wife Eva, who now becomes Mayoress, saying her support had helped make the moment possible.

He said: “I promise I will do my absolute best and fight hard and passionately for my beloved adopted town.”

With Cllr Gray serving as Deputy Mayor, Cllr Woodward added that residents could “rest assured it will not be a quiet year.”

PARK CHIEF RECOGNISED

PEMBROKESHIRE Coast National Park Authority Chief Executive Tegryn Jones is to be honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at this year’s National Eisteddfod.

Mr Jones has been named among those who will be admitted to the Gorsedd in recognition of their achievements and contribution to Wales, the Welsh language and local communities.

He will be admitted in the Blue robes, which are awarded to people who have given distinguished service in areas including public life, local and national activity, journalism, media, sport, science and law.

Originally from Lampeter and a fluent Welsh speaker, Mr Jones has played a prominent role in Welsh public life through a career spanning environmental, educational and community leadership.

Before joining Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, he served as Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy and also worked for the General Teaching Council for Wales.

He was nominated for his work in education, youth work and the environment, as well as for developing environmental initiatives at both local and national level.

In Pembrokeshire, he is also closely associated with the development of Welsh-medium education through his long-standing involvement with Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest, where he was the first Chair of Governors.

Mr Jones said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by Gorsedd Cymru, particularly in a year when the National Eisteddfod returns to Pembrokeshire for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las.

“The Welsh language belongs to all our communities, and I have been very fortunate to work with so many people who care deeply about its future, whether through education, culture, the environment or public service.

“The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of the jewels of Wales and provides an outstanding landscape that contributes to the environmental, social and economic goals that are essential to Wales’ future.

“I am very fortunate to lead the National Park Authority and extremely proud that this work has been recognised by the Gorsedd.”

This year’s National Eisteddfod, Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, will be held in Llantwd, North Pembrokeshire, from August 1-8, 2026.

The event will be especially significant as it marks 850 years since the first recorded Eisteddfod was held in Cardigan in 1176, just across the river from this year’s Maes.