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Voting is now open in the race to become the new leader of Welsh Labour, and in turn, the next First Minister.

Economy minister Vaughan Gething and education minister Jeremy Miles are both standing to take over from Mark Drakeford, who announced his intention to step down back in December.

The ballot will remain open until March 14, with the winner to be announced on March 16.

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.

But who is backing who in the leadership race?

Vaughan Gething

Mr Gething has been a Senedd Member since 2011, and represents the Cardiff South and Penarth constituency.

He is currently economy minister, but served as health minister during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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.

Welsh Government health minister Eluned Morgan, and finance minister Rebecca Evans, are also backing Mr Gething’s bid – as is Lynne Neagle, the deputy minister for mental health and wellbeing.

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, and Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Gerald Jones, as well as Gwent’s police and crime commissioner Jeff Cuthbert.

Former Islwyn MP Neil Kinnock, who led the Labour party between 1983 and 1992, has also voiced his support for Mr Gething’s campaigm.

Jeremy Miles

Mr Miles, who has served as the MS for Neath since 2016, was appointed education minister in 2021.

He has the support of more than half of Labour’s Senedd Members, including Islwyn MS Rhianon Passmore.

Also backing Mr Miles are Welsh Government’s climate change minister Julie James and rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths.

Mr Miles can also count deputy ministers Hannah Blythyn, Julie Morgan, and Lee Waters, as well counsel general Mick Antoniw, among his supporters.

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.