There is speculation that Vaughan Gething, the Economy Minister of Wales, will announce his candidacy for Welsh Labour Leadership on Thursday. Gething is one of the two frontrunners in the race, triggered by First Minister Mark Drakeford’s announcement of his quit. Gething, 49-year-old, is expected to release a statement later in the day. His expected rival in the leadership race, Jeremy Miles, has already garnered support from a senior Welsh council figure. Councillor Andrew Morgan has backed Jeremy Miles and opined that Wales’ next first minister should be someone who is “calm, competent, and thoughtful”.
The Welsh Labour leadership race has garnered attention as two of the party’s Senedd members have called for female inclusion in the ballot, while left-winger Mick Antoniw has ruled out his candidacy. Deputy Minister for Social Justice Hannah Blythyn and Health Minister Eluned Morgan are being considered as possible candidates that could reach out to the left of the party. Reports suggest that Jeremy Miles has enough support to emerge as a strong contender.
Gething, a former solicitor and ex-president of the Wales TUC, was elected to the Senedd in 2011 and represented Cardiff South and Penarth. His prominence in handling the Covid pandemic, during which he served as Mark Drakeford’s health minister, earned him praise. Following the 2021 election, Mr Drakeford moved him to the economy portfolio.
The candidates for the Welsh Labour leadership are required to gain support from five other Labour Senedd members or two others, along with the backing of local parties or affiliated groups including trade unions to qualify for the ballot. The exact dates for voting have not been confirmed. However, the process is expected to end by March 25, which is the end of the spring term. After confirmation by Senedd, the new first minister would take oath before the Easter recess
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