News

Eluned Morgan voted in as Wales’ first female First Minister

Published

1 year 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.

News

BBC apologises to Herald’s editor for inaccurate story

Published

47 minutes ago

December 4, 2025

Staff Writer

THE BBC has issued a formal apology and amended a six-year-old article written by BBC Wales Business Correspondent Huw Thomas after its Executive Complaints Unit ruled that the original headline and wording gave an “incorrect impression” that Herald editor Tom Sinclair was personally liable for tens of thousands of pounds in debt.

The 2019 report, originally headlined “Herald newspaper editor Tom Sinclair has £70,000 debts”, has now been changed.

The ECU found: “The wording of the article and its headline could have led readers to form the incorrect impression that the debt was Mr Sinclair’s personal responsibility… In that respect the article failed to meet the BBC’s standards of due accuracy.”

Mr Sinclair said: “I’m grateful to the ECU for the apology and for correcting the personal-liability impression that caused real harm for six years. However, the article still links the debts to ‘the group which publishes The Herald’ when in fact they related to printing companies that were dissolved two years before the Herald was founded in 2013. I have asked the BBC to add that final clarification so the record is completely accurate.”

A formal apology and correction of this kind from the BBC is extremely rare, especially for a story more than six years old.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

4 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines
docked at Pembroke Port yesterday afternoon last week, marking the start of physical
deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on
shortly after 4pm on Wednesday 26th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy
components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the
existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today is
due to arrive in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.
The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-
loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through
Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the
latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week yesterday with the first components,” she said. “We are
expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be
blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with
a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG
terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to
power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Port of Milford Haven shipping movements showed the Peak Bergen approaching the Haven
throughout Wednesday morning before finally tying up at the cargo berth in Pembroke Dock.

Cranes began unloading operations yesterday evening.

The Weather conditions are currently were favourable for this morning’s the arrival of
the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are
expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide training opportunities and energy-
bill support for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.
Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery
programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Crime

Banned for 40 months after driving with cocaine breakdown product in blood

Published

4 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

A MILFORD HAVEN woman has been handed a lengthy driving ban after admitting driving with a controlled drug in her system more than ten times over the legal limit.

SENTENCED AT HAVERFORDWEST

Sally Allen, 43, of Wentworth Close, Hubberston, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Dec 4) for sentencing, having pleaded guilty on November 25 to driving with a proportion of a specified controlled drug above the prescribed limit.

The court heard that Allen was stopped on August 25 on the Old Hakin Road at Tiers Cross while driving an Audi A3. Blood analysis showed 509µg/l of Benzoylecgonine, a breakdown product of cocaine. The legal limit is 50µg/l.

COMMUNITY ORDER AND REHABILITATION

Magistrates imposed a 40-month driving ban, backdated to her interim disqualification which began on November 25.

Allen was also handed a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activities as directed by the Probation Service.

She was fined £120, ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge. Her financial penalties will be paid in £25 monthly instalments from January 1, 2026.

The bench—Mrs H Roberts, Mr M Shankland and Mrs J Morris—said her guilty plea had been taken into account when passing sentence.