Summary
Eluned Morgan is confirmed as Wales' new first minister after a vote in the Senedd
She becomes Wales' first female first minister, 25 years after the post was created
She tells women in Wales: "You need to know your potential is limitless"
The 57-year-old former health secretary was unopposed in the contest to be Welsh Labour's leader
She succeeds Vaughan Gething, who was forced to quit in July after just four months in charge
Live Reporting
Ben Frampton, Jack Grey and Paul Pigott
Thanks for joining uspublished at 13:03 British Summer Time 6 August
13:03 BST 6 August
That brings our live coverage to close as Eluned Morgan is nominated by her fellow Senedd members to be Wales' next first minister.
Let's recap what's happened today:
- The King officially accepted Vaughan Gething's resignation
- Senedd Members then voted to nominate Morgan as the new first minister of Wales
- In her acceptance speech, Morgan said she would honour her predecessor's achievements and "add my own contributions to this legacy... perhaps with a vibrant splash of colour - the grey suits are out"
- She added that she wanted women to know that their "potential is limitless" and the path to leadership "is not now just a possibility, it's a reality"
- Now it's over to King Charles, who will formally approve Morgan before she is officially sworn in later
Thanks for joining us today, for continued updates as Morgan is confirmed by the king, tap here.
Minister says it's been a long wait for a woman to be FMpublished at 12:50 British Summer Time 6 August
12:50 BST 6 August
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens congratulates Morgan, saying she has made "long-awaited history today as the first woman to become first minister in Wales".
"Elunedis a compassionate, pragmatic leader who will listen with care and deliver withconviction," she adds.
Stevens says the Labour governments in Westminster and Cardiff Bay will work together to deliver "onthe priorities of people across Wales".
Image source, GetWatch: Morgan aims to inspire women in first speechpublished at 12:44 British Summer Time 6 August
12:44 BST 6 August
In her first speech since being selected to become the next first minister, Morgan says she hopes her achievement will inspire other women.
"For women watching today, you need to know your potential is limitless," she says.
She adds she looks forward to the day that a "woman becoming first minister is no longer extraordinary but a normal part of our Welsh political life".
What did Eluned Morgan do before this job?published at 12:40 British Summer Time 6 August
12:40 BST 6 August
Supporters of Morgan have applauded her experience outside of Welsh government, having served in the House of Lords and as a Member of the European Parliament for the Labour Party.
After standing down as an MEP in 2009 she went to work for the energy company SSE, external, before joining the Senedd in 2016.
One of her most challenging jobs, though, was taking over from Gething as health minister post-pandemic in 2021, when she was faced with escalating waiting times and squeezed finances.
Notorious for her bluntness, Morgan admitted previously that she found the role a "very tough job".
Image source, PA Media'At last, a female leader - but one with plenty to do'published at 12:34 British Summer Time 6 August
12:34 BST 6 August
"At last, a female leader,” says Welsh LiberalDemocrat leader Jane Dodds.
"It’s really wonderful to see you in that role. The now-second female leader of a political party here inWales, I’m really glad."
However, she says that recent months have "cast a shadow" over Welsh politics.
See AlsoEluned Morgan confirmed as new first minister of Wales in SeneddEluned Morgan confirmed as new first minister of Wales in SeneddAllen Morgan jailed for hiring hitman to kill wife CarolMidsomer Murders' DCI John Barnaby star Neil Dudgeon's life with producer wife“It has personally pained me to see the erosion of trust and the growing disillusionment of the people of Wales," she tells Morgan and the Senedd.
“The mantle now falls to you and your government to rebuild that trust.
“This is about signalling a new politics, a more equal politics and more compassionate politics.”
Image source, SeneddKeir Starmer says Morgan has made historypublished at 12:22 British Summer Time 6 August
12:22 BST 6 August
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer offers Morgan his "heartfelt congratulations and support".
"Elunedhas today made history as the first ever woman to become first minister ofWales," he adds.
She has a long-history of public service and her "commitment to delivering for the people ofWales is unwavering".
Sir Keir says his government will work "side by side" with the Labour government in Cardiff to deliver growth and "high-quality public services".
Image source, GettyHow much of a splash is new FM making with Ely swimmers?published at 12:16 British Summer Time 6 August
12:16 BST 6 August
Ely Western Leisure Centre - in the neighbourhood of Cardiff where Morgan grew up - is a popular community hub.
Its busy free swimming session is the perfect place to gauge how much of a splash the new first minister is making with the public.
Ceri Jones, 52, says Wales getting its first female leader is "definitely significant" and the fact she is from Ely means "she’s one of us so we feel represented".
Ceri - who has two teenage children - thinks the Welsh government needs to offer more youth support as "it’s quite difficult in this area for the young people".
Her daughter, 25-year-old Katy Percival, also says it’s "positive" to see the first woman leading Wales and wants to see the new government prioritise recruiting more mental health staff.
"There needs to be better mental health support", she adds.
Who will serve as Eluned Morgan's deputy?published at 12:08 British Summer Time 6 August
12:08 BST 6 August
Morgan has confirmed Huw Irranca-Davies as her deputy first minister.
"They used tosay behind every successful man is a woman," she tells the Senedd.
"On thisoccasion there will be an impressive man behind a woman."
She is nottalking about her husband, she adds, drawing laughter.
Irranca-Davies, the MS for Ogmore, previously served as minister for climate change and rural affairs, as well as having junior ministerial roles in Gordon Brown's Labour government between 2007 and 2010.
"I'm thrilled tobe embarking on this journey with Huw," she says.
"I couldn't ask fora more capable political partner."
Image source, Getty ImagesWales needs unity after weeks of turmoil, says Morganpublished at 11:53 British Summer Time 6 August
11:53 BST 6 August
"We must work to restore trust," Morgan tells the Sendd.
"Wales is warm andwelcoming nation and our political discourse needs to reflect that."
She says the past few weeks have been "difficult", likely referring to Gething being ousted after four of cabinet ministers quit and called for him to step down.
Controversy followed the former first minister due to a £200,000 donation his leadership campaign received from a company whose boss was twice convicted of environmental offences.
Another divisive issue was firing cabinet minister Hannah Blythyn and accusing her of leaks, which she denies.
"Our differences should be a source of strength, not a sourceof division," says Morgan.
"We have been throughsome turmoil, but we know we are best when we work in unity, as a party and nation."
Image source, SeneddShe's won, but how will she lead?published at 11:48 British Summer Time 6 August
11:48 BST 6 August
Gareth Lewis
BBC Wales political editorWe are still waiting for the specifics of what Morganwill stand for and what she will make her priorities.
A lack of a Welsh Labour leadership campaign meant there wasno need to publish a manifesto.
Her speech today was strong on the significance of Waleshaving its first female leader and the need for her party and the wider UnitedKingdom to pull together after recent turmoil.
She told the Senedd that her focus would be on achievementand delivery, but she also warned of "tough decisions" because of the "dire" state of public finances.
With the next Senedd election in 2026 fast approaching, sheis clearly aware she is on day one of an incredibly difficult job.
Plaid wants Welsh election after 'revolving door of first minsters'published at 11:41 British Summer Time 6 August
11:41 BST 6 August
Plaid Cymru is not content with today's vote for a new leader in Wales and instead wants a Senedd election, two years ahead of the next scheduled one.
Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth claims Wales has had a "revolving door of first minsters" and "weshould be having an election in Wales now".
Welsh Labour needs opposition support to govern, holding 30 of the 60 seats, but Iorwerth says Plaid will not enter into a cooperation agreement with the government.
He adds: "Ihave no intention to do a budget deal with Welsh Labour.
"We will look at things in a mature way, butwhilst always telling the people of Wales now at this crucial juncture, lessthan two years from the next Senedd election, there is a different way of doing politics."
Image source, Getty ImagesMorgan tells women that their potential is limitlesspublished at 11:32 British Summer Time 6 August
11:32 BST 6 August
"For women watching today, you need to know your potential is limitless," Morgan adds in her victory speech.
"The path to leadership is not now just a possibility, it's a reality."
She says she looks forward to the day that a "woman becoming first minister is no longer extraordinary but a normal part of our Welsh political life".
"In a world where things that divide us are amplified, sometimes for profit, I want to make it clear that I will be a listening first minister.
"Listening to all, not just those that shout the loudest or have the most power."
Image source, SeneddReaction from new first minister's old neighbourhoodpublished at 11:27 British Summer Time 6 August
11:27 BST 6 August
Shelley Phelps
BBC Wales Westminster correspondentI’m in Ely, Cardiff, where Eluned Morgan grew up.
It’s one of the most deprived areas in Wales and the estate has had its fair share of bad headlines over the years, with rioting here in 1991 and 2023.
But it also has a proud reputation as a close-knit, working class community.
I’m near the Church Of Resurrection, where Morgan’s father was a reverend.
Valerie Mahoney, 80, used to volunteer at a charity shop running out of the church and knew the family.
“I remember seeing her on the television and I’d say oh that’s Eluned Morgan,” she says.
“She’s part of the community,"
Valerie hopes the new first minister’s government will do more to help the elderly.
Kevin Farnham, 60, wasn't aware the new first minister is from the area and had "never heard that name before".
But he thinks it’s "good news" someone from Ely has gone on to lead Wales and hopes "she can bring the area back up".
He thinks improving shops and high streets should be a priority for ministers.
Morgan congratulated by opposition partiespublished at 11:24 British Summer Time 6 August
11:24 BST 6 August
Welsh Conservative leader in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, congratulates Morgan but says - based on her record - there is little reason to believe she has what the country needs.
"Wales needs someone in the top job now who can drive down our waiting lists, improve educational attainment and turbocharge our economy," he said.
Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, says that while she is "delighted to see another woman leading the way in Welsh politics", the first minister must now "rebuild trust".
Image source, ReutersHonour to become Wales' first female leader, says Morganpublished at 11:21 British Summer Time 6 August
11:21 BST 6 August
"It is the greatest pleasure and privilege of my life to stand before you as the first woman to become first minister of Wales," Morgan tells her fellow Senedd members.
She thanked her predecessor Gething for his service, whom she describes as a "true trailblazer" in Wales' "devolution journey".
"As I take up the mantle of leadership I promise to honour [my predecessor's] achievements and add my own contributions to this legacy.
"Perhaps with a vibrant splash of colour - the grey suits are out."
Morgan won with 28 votes out of 60published at 11:15 British Summer Time 6 August
11:15 BST 6 August
Morgan is nominated for the appointment as first minister with the votes of 28 Senedd members.
The Conservatives' Andrew RT Davies got 15 votes and Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth got 12.
As expected, there was one abstention, from Lib Dem Jane Dodds.
What's next on the agenda for the new first minister?published at 11:12 British Summer Time 6 August
11:12 BST 6 August
Morgan is tasked with a lot of rebuilding following the string of controversies around Gething's reign and is keen to "turn a new page".
Balancing the books and addressing the increasing pressure on the NHS is suspected to be first on the agenda, where many will be looking to Morgan to fulfil her promises as former health minister.
There is not much time for Morgan prove herself either, as the Senedd elections of 2026 close in, which will see the number of Members of the Sened increase from 60 to 96.
Read more analysis on the biggest challenges ahead for the first minister here.
Eluned Morgan is Wales' next first ministerpublished at 11:10 British Summer Time 6 August
11:10 BST 6 AugustBreaking
After a vote in the Senedd, it has been confirmed that Eluned Morgan will be Wales' next first minister.
Her name will still need to go to the King for him to confirm - a formality - but Morgan is in.
Could Morgan not win the vote?published at 11:06 British Summer Time 6 August
11:06 BST 6 August
Jack Grey
BBC Wales NewsTheoretically, yes.
Labour holds exactly half of the 60 seats in the Senedd, meaning that all of the opposition parties combined could prevent Morgan being confirmed by uniting behind a single candidate.
But this will not happen.
The opposition parties are unlikely to vote together and, even if they did, Welsh Liberal Democrat leader - and the party's only MS - Jane Dodds has indicated she will abstain, giving Labour a majority.
Political rollercoaster drags politicians back from their holidayspublished at 10:59 British Summer Time 6 August
10:59 BST 6 August
Gareth Lewis
BBC Wales political editorIt is very strange being back at the Senedd in August, atime when politicians and those that cover them are usually on recess.
Fittingly, given the political rollercoaster of 2024 so far,a temporary funfair has appeared in Cardiff Bay since we were last here.
Morgan will be hoping for a gentler ride than her predecessor enjoyed.
But with the new first minister looking at issues with party unity, NHSwaiting lists, steel jobs, farming subsidies and support needed from elsewhereto pass a budget, we could have more twists and turns yet before the 2026Senedd election.
