Eluned Morgan has officially launched her bid to become the next First Minister of Wales.
Eluned Morgan has officially launched her bid to become the next First Minister of Wales.
The health secretary confirmed on Monday lunchtime she intends to stand in the Welsh Labour leadership contest following Vaughan Gething's resignation,
She has named rural affairs minister Huw Irranca-Davies as her running mate.
But Ms Morgan could be confirmed as the next Welsh Labour leader - and the first female First Minister of Wales - as soon as midday on Wednesday, if no one else announces they intend to stand for both roles.
Ms Morgan, who passed the threshold of six nomations to enter the contest, said: "I am proud to stand as a candidate to be the next leader of Welsh Labour, driven by a passion to serve the people and reset the relationship between the government and the people of Wales."
"I am delighted to be teaming up with my fantastic colleague, Huw Irranca-Davies, who shares my passion and experience in government and strong sense of public duty. Together, we are committed to putting Wales back on track."
"In the coming days, we will set out our priorities to improve public services, create better, greener jobs and empower our communities."
"Our focus will be meaningful change and building a brighter future for communities across Wales."
If a leadership contest does go ahead, the winner would not be unveiled until Saturday 14th September, before the Senedd votes on appointing a new First Minister four days later.
Following Ms Morgan's announcement, the Welsh Conservatives said the Senedd should be recalled from its summer recess - which began last week - to appoint a new FM, due to what it called "the likelihood of the Welsh Labour leadership coronation".
Tory leader Andrew RT Davies said: “Wales has faced political paralysis and Labour infighting for too long, we need certainty and we need it fast.
“It is becoming clear that Labour in Wales will have a new leader very soon, but Eluned Morgan has presided over the longest waiting lists on record and they're still growing on her watch. Is this really the best that Labour can do?
“The Welsh Conservatives are calling for a recall of the Senedd to give Wales greater stability. Wales should not be without a functioning government for months over the summer.”
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said Labour's focus after weeks of infighting was "squarely on party management" instead of "a change of direction for Wales".
He added: "Labour leaders in Wales of recent past and near future have one thing in common on their CV – an abysmal record of running the NHS which has led to record high waiting lists."
"Being in government is now seen as more important to Labour than knowing what to do with the levers at their disposal."
"If Eluned Morgan becomes the leader of Labour in Wales and should she become First Minister, she will prioritise healing Labour's wounds rather than renewing the government's sense of purpose."
"The absence of a policy platform can only mean one thing – more of the same tired ideas and outdated thinking which has led to Wales languishing at the bottom of economic, health and educational league tables after 25 years of Labour in power."
Gething, who was elected in March, has pledged to stay on until his successor is appointed.
His resignation on Wednesday followed that of four cabinet members in protest over his handling of two controversies - a £200,000 donation to his leadership campaign and the sacking of junior minister Hannah Blythyn over alleged leaks to the media.
His brief stay in office also saw Plaid Cymru walk away from its Senedd co-operation agreement with Labour, which was due to end in December.
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