Following a vote in the Senedd, the Welsh Government has confirmed Eluned Morgan as the nation’s first female First Minister.
This came after the resignation of her predecessor, Vaughan Gething whose leadership was mired in controversy after he accepted donations from a man twice convicted of environmental offences during his election campaign.
Gething announced his resignation as First minister and Welsh Labour leader after four ministers resigned from his government. 
The departing ministers stated that Gething’s position was not tenable following his defeat in a motion of no confidence. That motion had been tabled amid concerns about donations to Gething’s leadership campaign and his dismissal of the Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn, whom he accused of leaking private messages. 
Gething’s position was also weakened by the decision of Plaid Cymru to end its co-operation agreement with Labour, leaving Gething as the head of a minority administration.
However, Ms Morgan election was unopposed, after being nominated by Mr Gething, she was backed by 28 MSs, Conservative Andrew RT Davies received 15 votes. The only Liberal Democrat, Jane Dodds, abstained.
The former Health Minister’s name was then sent to the King who gave his approval, allowing the new First Minister to officially take office.
Having become the sixth Welsh First Minister, Morgan thanked Mr Gething for his service, describing him as a “true trailblazer” on Wales’ “devolution journey”.
In her appreciation speech, the First female Welsh First Minister hope to champion silence voices, provide for everyone while contributing her legacy to her predecessors achievements, in her words: “
“It is the greatest honor of my life to stand before you as the first woman to become the First Minister of Wales. As First Minister, I promise to champion voices and experiences, which have too often been sidelined and silenced.
“I hope to be defined by my unwavering commitment to the people of Wales, by my years of public service and my determination to create a fairer, greener and more prosperous nation for us all.
“A leader focused on delivery and on ambition for our nation. A leader driven by a sense of service and respect for the people I serve.
“It’s our job in Government to provide everyone with the opportunity to fulfil their potential. This is based on the deep belief I have – that the success of one leads to the success of many.
“I will not be some distant figure in Cardiff Bay. I am a Welsh citizen – just like you. I want to understand the challenges you are facing. I want your priorities to become my priorities.
“While speaking up for Wales at every opportunity, I intend to lead a government that listens, learns and delivers.”
“As I take up the mantle of leadership I promise to honour [my predecessor’s] achievements and add my own contributions to this legacy,” she told the Senedd.
“Perhaps with a vibrant splash of colour – the grey suits are out.” She stated.
Having become the first woman to lead the nation, Ms Morgan’s journey is the culmination of a political career that started young as she had a political upbringing in Ely, Cardiff.
Her father, Bob, was a vicar who led South Glamorgan council. Her mother, Elaine, was a counsillor, Ms Morgan described her home as “the headquarters for political activity in the west of Cardiff”.
 Morgan has spent 30 years in the public service, representing Wales in the European Parliament and the House of Lords, as well as the Senedd. Since she was elected to represent Mid and West Wales in 2016, Morgan has also served in the Cabinets of three First Ministers, the most recent of which saw her serving as the Health Secretary since 2021.
Eluned Morgan was born in 1967 in Ely, Cardiff. She was educated at Glantaf Welsh language comprehensive school. She won a scholarship to the United World College of the Atlantic and gained a degree in European Studies from the University of Hull. She formerly worked as a researcher for S4C, Agenda TV and the BBC.
Eluned’s political career started at the age of 27 when she was elected as the youngest Member of the European Parliament in 1994. She was only the fifth woman elected to a full time political position in the history of Wales, and the first full time politician in Wales to have a baby whilst in office.
She represented Wales for the Labour Party from 1994-2009. In this role she became the Labour spokesperson on industry, science and energy and spokesperson for the 200 strong Socialist Group on Budget Control matters. She authored the Green Paper on energy on behalf of the EP and led the Parliament’s discussions on the Electricity Directive where she ensured new rights for consumers and demanded that Member States of the EU addressed the issue of fuel poverty.
From late 2009 until July 2013, she worked as the Director of National Business Development in Wales for SSE (SWALEC) one of the UK’s largest energy companies. During 2013 -2016, Eluned Morgan served as the Shadow Minister for Wales in the House of Lords, and from 2014-2016 she served as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs. She was granted a peerage in 2011 and is formally known as Baroness Morgan of Ely.
Eluned Morgan was elected to the National Assembly in May 2016 as regional member for Mid & West Wales. In November 2017 Eluned was appointed Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning. On 13 December 2018 she was appointed Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language which she held until becoming Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and the Welsh Language on 8 October 2020. Eluned was appointed Minister for Health and Social Services on 13 May 2021, and re appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care on 21 March 2024 Eluned Morgan became First Minister of Wales on 6 August 2024.