Eluned Morgan wins First Minister vote

Eluned Morgan will be the new First Minister of Wales.

Nomination for First Minister took place in a Plenary session at the recalled Senedd this morning. In a short session three party leaders were nominated, and voted for, by their respective groups with Morgan emerging the winner.

Outgoing First Minister Gething said he was “proud to nominate Eluned Morgan to be the First Minister of Wales”.

Rhun ap Iorwerth and Andrew Davies were also nominated, with Morgan getting 28 votes to the 12 and 15 respectively for those challenging for the role ( plus one abstention).

The Llywydd said, “This is the definitive result of this vote: Eluned Morgan has 28 votes, Andrew R.T. Davies 15, Rhun ap Iorwerth 12, abstensions 1. Therefore 56 votes have been cast, and I therefore declare that Eluned Morgan is nominated for appointment as First Minister of Wales. In accordance with section 47(4) of the Government of Wales Act, I will recommend to His Majesty the appointment of Eluned Morgan as First Minister.”

Morgan is now the nominee, so the Llywydd will now recommend to the King that they are appointed as First Minister of Wales. Once this appointment is made, the new First Minister will begin forming their new Cabinet. It is unclear what happens if the King declines the nomination.

When ready, the First Minister will announce a new Cabinet. The new First Minister is able to appoint a temporary Counsel General, but the Senedd must consider a motion to formally recommend a new Counsel General in Plenary. The formal appointment is made by the King after the Senedd’s recommendation. The debate is expected to take place when Senedd returns from summer recess.

There may need to be changes to Senedd postholders following the new First Minister’s Cabinet announcements, such as new Committee Chairs and Committee membership. Selection of Committee Chairs takes place in Plenary.