Morgan has served as Welsh Labour MS for Mid and West Wales since 2016 and has delivered for the people of Wales as both a Welsh Government Minister and Cabinet Secretary since 2017.
She will now go forward as Welsh Labour’s nominee to become the first female First Minister of Wales, and Labour’s first female head of state in the UK.
Born in Cardiff, Morgan was a founding member of the Yes for Wales cross-party group which campaigned for the then Welsh Assembly to be established.
Eluned Morgan MS, Leader of Welsh Labour, said: “I am truly honoured to become the first woman to lead Welsh Labour and to be put forward as our party’s nominee to become the next First Minister of Wales.
“At this pivotal time for our country, strength, stability, and unity will be my guiding principles. I want to ensure that everyone in Wales has the opportunity and ability to fulfil their potential.
“Huw Irranca-Davies and I stood proudly as a partnership, and we are delighted to have received the overwhelming support of Welsh Labour MS’ and support from across Wales and the wider Labour movement.
“When we pledged unity, we meant it – and that is how we will lead. Working with colleagues across the Senedd and standing shoulder to shoulder with Keir Starmer’s UK Labour Government, my focus will be on improving the things that matter most for everyone in our great country.
“Through my leadership, Wales – and what is best for our country – will always come above all else.”
Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister and Leader of the UK Labour Party, commenting on the election of Eluned Morgan as Welsh Labour Leader, said:
“Eluned’s election as Welsh Labour Leader and candidacy for First Minister is fantastic news for Wales and for the Labour Party. Eluned brings with her a wealth of experience and track-record of delivery, and as the first woman to lead Welsh Labour, she is already making history.
“Just three weeks ago, people across Wales voted overwhelmingly for a changed Labour Party to lead a government in Westminster. We have a been given a strong mandate to deliver change for working people, and I look forward to working hand-in-hand with Eluned to deliver on our promises to Wales and Britain.”
Jo Stevens MP, Labour’s Secretary of State for Wales, said: “Eluned will be a fantastic leader of Welsh Labour and candidate for First Minister, bringing her many years of experience on the front line of politics to the important task of delivering for people across Wales.
“I am particularly pleased that Eluned has been overwhelmingly backed by the Senedd Labour Group.
“I look forward to working closely with Eluned at pace, to implement the UK government’s plans to address the priorities of people across Wales, which received resounding support at the General Election.”
Meanwhile the Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on Eluned Morgan to rebuild trust in Welsh politics.
Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds MS has congratulated Eluned Morgan on becoming Welsh Labour leader, stating that she was “delighted to see another woman leading the way in Welsh politics.”
Jane Dodds MS said: “I would first like to congratulate Eluned Morgan on her successful nomination as the leader of Welsh Labour, it would be a fantastic achievement to be the first female First Leader and I am delighted to see another woman leading the way in Welsh politics.
“It is now up to both Eluned and Welsh Labour to re-earn the trust of both the Senedd and, most importantly, the people of Wales.
“The last few months of Welsh Labour scandals and in-fighting has been an unhelpful distraction from resolving the challenges facing Wales.
“Unfortunately, these recent events have undoubtedly undermined trust in Welsh politics. Welsh Labour must realise that they can no longer take the Welsh electorate for granted, trust must be earned”.
Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “I firstly congratulate Eluned Morgan on becoming the first female leader of Welsh Labour, and if supported by the Senedd, Wales’ first ever female First Minister.
“The Baroness has picked up the crown at the coronation, with Prince Charming as her deputy. Eluned Morgan has presided over the worst Welsh NHS waiting lists on record, so the question must be asked, is this really the best that Labour can do?
“If her lack of delivery in Wales’ NHS is replicated across the Welsh economy and education system then Wales is going to be a lot worse off in the future.
“The 2026 Senedd election can’t come soon enough to give Wales the change it desperately needs to unlock the hope and opportunity that will build a new and stronger Wales.”
(Lead image: Welsh Labour)
