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.

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 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.