Vaughan Gething has been confirmed as the new First Minster of Wales, after Mark Drakeford made the decision to step down.
After Drakeford announced his intentions to step down as Leader of Welsh Labour, Gething was one of two candidates to replace him, with his success in the election being announced on the 16th March 2024. Once this was announced, 27 Senedd members supported his appointment as First Minister, with his name being sent to King Charles for approval.
I am honoured to have been elected Leader of our Welsh Labour Party.
— Vaughan Gething (@vaughangething) March 16, 2024
Mae’n anrhydedd i mi gael fy ethol yn arweinydd Llafur Cymru.
To Welsh Labour members, trade union colleagues, and every Labour representative in Wales — thank you for putting your trust in me.
As he was confirmed as the Welsh Labour Leader, Gething posted on his x.com account:
“I am honoured to have been elected Leader of our Welsh Labour Party.
“To Welsh Labour member, trade union colleagues, and every Labour representative in Wales – thank you for putting your trust in me.
“As I take on this role, I recognise the enormous responsibility I now have. Whether you voted for me or not, I promise to represent you, listen to you, and we will take out party forward together.
“Now, it is time to look forward.
“A general election is desperately needed to send Keir to Number 10. We must be ready to fight the electoral battle of our lives, starting from today.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also commented on Gething’s appointment, saying:
“The government I lead will always work tirelessly to benefit the lives of people across the United Kingdom, and I look forward to working constructively with the new First Minister to deliver for the people of Wales.”
Before taking on the role of Leader, Gething was the Welsh Minister for the Economy between 2021 and 2024, whilst also being the Health and Social Services Minister between 2016 and 2021- with this period covering the Covid-19 pandemic.
Second in the Welsh Labour leadership campaign was Minister for Education and Welsh Language Jeremy Miles.
Image credit: iStock
