Eluned Morgan has stepped down as Welsh Labour leader after a crushing defeat in the Senedd Election, where she lost her Ceredigion Penfro seat. Emphasising the gravity of the situation, Morgan stated, “The people of Wales rejected Labour,” and took full responsibility for the party’s losses.
In her candid resignation speech at Ysgol Bro Teifi, she thanked the Labour members and volunteers across Wales, recognising their hard work despite the outcome. Acknowledging the challenges faced by public services, she stressed the need for Labour to adapt to the changing political landscape, where multiple parties are now gaining ground.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute, highlighting her over 30 years of dedication and achievements during her tenure, from tackling child poverty to improving healthcare. As the first woman to helm Wales, Morgan expressed pride in these accomplishments but acknowledged that the political scene now rewards noise over truth, calling for a return to Labour’s core values of fairness and community.
Morgan congratulated Plaid Cymru and Reform on their gains, noting the rise in their popularity. As she steps down, she encourages everyone to unite, acknowledging Wales’s strength in standing together. Despite the turbulent times, she remains hopeful, confident that better days lie ahead for Welsh Labour.
In closing, Morgan expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to lead Wales, asserting that the party must now focus on evolving to better serve the working class and distribute wealth more equitably across the UK. She ended with optimism, wishing her successors the best as they steer Wales into its next chapter.