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After five years as First Minister, Mark Drakeford announced last week he will be stepping down from the role.

Looking to replace him as First Minister, and leader of Welsh Labour, are Welsh Government ministers Vaughan Gething and Jeremy Miles.

The two will battle it out in the Welsh Labour leadership contest over the coming months, with a new party leader, and First Minister, due to be in place by spring.

The outcome of the leadership contest will be historic. If Mr Gething wins, he will be the first black person to serve as Wales’ First Minister. Mr Miles, meanwhile, would become Wales’ first openly gay First Minister.

The winner of the leadership contest will be decided by Welsh Labour party members.

So who is backing who in the leadership race?

Vaughan Gething

Economy minister Mr Gething, who served as health minister during the Covid-19 pandemic, was the first candidate to put their name forward to succeed Mr Drakeford.

His bid has been backed by Caerphilly MS Hefin David, as well as Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MS Dawn Bowden, who is the deputy minister for arts, sport and tourism.

Dr David said: “I saw first hand how [Mr Gething] 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, Ms Bowden said: “I’ve worked with [Mr Gething] over many years, both before and since I came into the Senedd and know him to be tenacious, trustworthy and socialist to his core.

“He has the vision and determination to take us forward.”

Finance minister Rebecca Evans, and deputy minister for mental health and wellbeing Lynne Neagle, are also supporting Mr Gething – as is health minister Eluned Morgan.

Other MSs backing his campaign are Vikki Howells, Jayne Bryant, Jack Sargeant, Ken Skates, and Joyce Watson.

Outside the Senedd, Mr Gething has received the backing of Caerphilly MP Wayne David, as well as Gwent’s police and crime commissioner Jeff Cuthbert.

Jeremy Miles

Mr Miles, who has served as education minister since 2021, officially announced his candidacy on Monday December 18, after already having enough backing from fellow MSs to get onto the ballot.

Among his supporters is Islwyn’s MS Rhianon Passmore.

Ms Passmore said Mr Miles would “lead with energy, compassion and professionalism”.

She continued: “Wales needs a First Minister with a radical and inclusive vision for our future. Our party needs a leader who will campaign to beat the Tories. I am convinced that Jeremy Miles is the person for the job”.

Ms Passmore described Mr Miles as “calm, considered and open to new ideas” and called him a “genuine and a real team player”.

She added: “Jeremy cares about guaranteeing opportunities for young people. He listened to my campaign for a national music service, so that every child has the chance to learn an instrument.

“He’s increased the Education Maintenance Allowance, which the Tories scrapped in England.”

Also backing Mr Miles is the deputy minister for social partnership, Hannah Blythyn, who, despite being tipped for a tilt at the leadership, has ruled herself out of the running.

Climate change minister Julie James, and rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths, are both in Mr Miles’ camp, as are counsel general Mick Antoniw, deputy climate change minister Lee Waters, and deputy social services minister Julie Morgan.

Other MSs backing Mr Miles are Alun Davies, John Griffiths, Huw Irranca-Davies, Sarah Murphy, Jenny Rathbone, David Rees, Carolyn Thomas, and Buffy Williams.

Outside the Senedd, Caerphilly Council deputy leader Jamie Pritchard is among those backing Mr Miles.