Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Vaughan Gething is set to become Wales’ new First Minister this week following his victory in the Welsh Labour leadership election.

Mr Gething, who will succeed Mark Drakeford, earned a narrow victory over leadership rival Jeremy Miles – winning 51.7% of the vote.

Mr Gething, who has served as economy minister since 2021, will make history by becoming the first black person to lead a European nation.

His leadership bid was supported by both Caerphilly MS Hefin David, and Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MS Dawn Bowden.

Dr David said Mr Gething would be a “First Minister for all of Wales” and added: “The tests get tougher but we can face the future with optimism.”

Ms Bowden meanwhile hailed a “new era for Wales” and said: “We look forward to the future with hope. Commiserations to Jeremy Miles, who no doubt will continue to be play a huge part in our government.”

Mr Gething also 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, was also among those supporting Mr Gething’s campaign.

UK Labour leader Keir Starmer congratulated Mr Gething on his win and described it as a “historic moment that speaks to the progress and values of modern-day Wales”.

Mr Miles meanwhile had the support of more than half of Labour’s Senedd Members, including Islwyn MS Rhianon Passmore.

“Matter of deep concern”

Mr Gething’s success has, naturally, received a frostier reception from opposition parties in the Senedd.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth highlighted concerns over a £200,000 donation made to Mr Gething’s campaign by a company run by a man twice convicted of environmental offences.

Mr ap Iorwerth said it was a “matter of deep concern” and raised questions over Mr Gething’s judgement – calling on him to return the donation.

Plaid MS Peredur Owen Griffiths, who represents South Wales East, said: “Now the internal election has concluded, we need a First Minister who will demand from his London bosses fairness for Wales, and the return of billions of pounds we have been cheated out of.

“Will we see that? I hope to be pleasantly surprised.”

Conservative MS Laura Anne Jones, who also represents the South Wales East region, called Mr Gething a “continuity candidate” and said the incoming First Minister “offers nothing more than a tired manifesto with the same old misplaced priorities”.

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Lib Dems, congratulated Mr Gething – but called for action on issues facing rural Wales.

“Issues facing rural Wales have, for far too long now, been ignored by Welsh Labour ministers in Cardiff Bay,” said Ms Dodds.

“I invite Mr Gething to come and visit rural Wales, to see for himself the issues affecting our rural communities.”