Vaughan Gething launches Welsh Labour leadership bid

Wales’ economy minister Vaughan Gething has launched his bid to become the next Welsh Labour leader – and succeed Mark Drakeford as Wales’ First Minister.

Mr Drakeford announced on Wednesday December 13 – exactly five years to the day he was elected Welsh Labour leader – that he would step down from the role.

Mr Gething, the MS for Cardiff South and Penarth, has long been viewed as a potential successor to Mr Drakeford, having stood against him in the 2018 Welsh Labour leadership election.

He served as health minister during the Covid-19 pandemic under Mr Drakeford’s government, before moving into the economy role.

On Thursday, Mr Gething said he was standing for the leadership “in full recognition of the huge task ahead of us, both as a party and as a government”.

He continued: “We can only maintain our record of winning elections and fighting for the people of Wales if we are a united, modern, diverse movement which reflects this nation’s ambitions for the future.”

Mr Gething praised Mr Drakeford’s “remarkable legacy” and vowed to do his “utmost” to “deliver real change in our communities and repair the damage wreaked by the toxic Tory years”.

He promised a “positive leadership contest” and an “energetic agenda for our country’s future”.

His candidacy has been supported by Caerphilly’s Labour MS Hefin David.

Dr David said: “I saw first hand how he stepped up throughout the pandemic. He was a source of guidance and leadership at a crucial and difficult time for Wales.

“I want now to see his public service continue as our next First Minister.”

Meanwhile, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MS Dawn Bowden, who is the deputy minister for arts, sport, and tourism, has also voiced her support.

If elected, Mr Gething would become Wales’ first black First Minister.

Another frontrunner for the leadership is education minister Jeremy Miles, who represents the Neath constituency.

Mr Miles has yet to publicly confirm his leadership bid. However, climate change minister Julie James, and rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths, have announced they are supporting him in the race.

Mr Miles would be the first openly gay First Minister of Wales.

Other names in the frame at this early stage include health minister Eluned Morgan, who competed with Mr Drakeford and Mr Gething for the leadership in 2018.

Hannah Blythyn, who is the deputy minister for social partnership, has also been touted for the role, as has finance minister Rebecca Evans.