Jeremy Miles MS launches bid to become First Minister

The Education Minister Jeremy Miles looks likely to be going head to head with Vaughan Gething MS to become the next First Minister.

Mr Miles announced he was running today, after days of several Senedd members declaring their support for him in any potential bid.

Nominations close on Thursday however it appears from declarations of support that there will be just two in the running. The eventual winner will become new First Minister in March.

Announcing his bid Mr Miles said, “If I think back to when I was growing up, wondering about my place in the world as a young gay man from a working class family in Pontarddulais, I would never have imagined that one day I would be putting myself forward to lead our great party and our nation.

“In recent days, party members, from all parts of Wales, Cabinet and Senedd colleagues, MPs, councillors, peers, trade unionists, and many others in our movement have expressed their support for me to lead our party. I am hugely grateful.

“And so today I confirm I will be standing in the election to become Welsh Labour’s next leader, and to be First Minister of Wales.

“I am determined to build on Mark’s legacy and his unquestionable commitment to public service. As we look forward to the next quarter century in the journey of devolution, we must set our sights on an ambitious future for Wales, led by Welsh Labour.

“The Tories’ attacks on public services, austerity and their mismanagement of our economy, means things have been incredibly difficult for people across our country. We face many challenges ahead – but I am hopeful for the future.

“A Labour victory at the next general election is crucial for that more positive future. A UK Labour Government led by Keir Starmer, working with our Welsh Labour Government, can achieve so much more for Wales. Together, we will end the cycle of Tory crises that has worn down so many. We must do all we can to ensure a Labour win – we owe it to our country. ”

Mr Miles says he “will be setting out a bold, ambitious and exciting vision for Wales’ future” shortly.