About our Eluned Morgan news
Latest news on Eluned Morgan, first female First Minister of Wales, Welsh Labour leader, Baroness Morgan of Ely, former MEP and Health Minister. Updates on her policies and leadership.
Eluned Morgan made history on 6 August 2024 by becoming the first woman to serve as First Minister of Wales. A member of Welsh Labour, Morgan was elected leader of the party in July 2024 following the resignation of her predecessor Vaughan Gething. At 57, she brings decades of political experience to the role, having previously served as Health Minister and represented Wales as a Member of the European Parliament.
Morgan takes office at a challenging time, inheriting a health service still recovering from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her tenure as Health Minister was marked by efforts to reduce NHS waiting times and improve mental health services. As First Minister, she has pledged to focus on economic recovery, tackling the cost of living crisis, and promoting the Welsh language and culture. Morgan's leadership will be closely watched as she aims to unite Welsh Labour following a period of internal turmoil.
Born and raised in Cardiff, Morgan has deep roots in Welsh politics and society. She is a fluent Welsh speaker and has been a strong advocate for the language throughout her career. Her appointment as First Minister has been hailed as a significant milestone for women's representation in Welsh politics. Morgan has called on more women to pursue leadership roles, stating her hope that a female First Minister will soon be "normal" rather than extraordinary.
Morgan's political journey began in the European Parliament, where she was elected in 1994 as the youngest MEP at the time. She later served in the House of Lords and was elected to the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in 2016. Her varied experience in Cardiff Bay, Westminster, and Brussels gives her a unique perspective on Wales' place within the UK and on the international stage.
As Morgan settles into her new role, she faces the immediate challenges of addressing the cost of living crisis, improving public services, and navigating Wales' relationship with the UK government. Our NewsNow feed will provide comprehensive coverage of Morgan's premiership, including policy announcements, responses to major events, and analysis of her leadership style. Stay informed about this historic moment in Welsh politics and the actions of Wales' first female leader.