Ken Skates confirmed as new Welsh Labour leader

Ken Skates has been confirmed as Welsh Labour’s new leader, having received unanimous backing from his party’s Senedd Members.

Mr Skates became interim leader in May after Eluned Morgan lost her seat at the Senedd election.

Welsh Labour opened nominations for Baroness Morgan’s permanent successor last week, and Mr Skates was nominated by all nine of the party’s MSs – confirming his appointment unopposed.

Following his confirmation as party leader, the former transport and economy minister said: “I joined the party as a 14-year-old, and my belief still stands that no child’s future should be determined by their background – that no young person should be judged on anything other than the efforts they make and the decency they show to others.

“The Labour movement for me is a movement for fairness, justice, security and liberty. It is a movement that seeks to empower people and communities, to fight against injustice, intolerance, nepotism and cruelty.”

The Fflint Wrecsam MS is the first Welsh Labour leader to lead an opposition group in Cardiff Bay, with the party having led the Welsh Government since the dawn of devolution, before losing power this year.

Welsh Labour’s deputy leader, Carolyn Harris, said Mr Skates’ role includes “listening, learning, rebuilding, and doing that crucial job of holding Plaid Cymru and Reform UK to account in the Senedd”.

She added: “I have no doubt he has the energy, thoughtfulness and optimism to take us forward and I look forward to working alongside him.”