Eluned Morgan has acknowledged a serious wake-up call for Welsh Labour after the party’s crushing defeat in the Caerphilly by-election. Labour’s vote share plummeted from 46% to a mere 11%, with Plaid Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle clinching victory. Morgan admits it was a “bad result” and stresses the need for deep reflection across all government levels. “We’ve got to stand up for Wales,” she asserts, emphasising her commitment to putting the country before party.
The First Minister has already discussed the outcome with Keir Starmer, who she says is in listening mode and ready to act. Morgan is determined to carve out a “red Welsh way,” underscoring Labour’s core values of equality and community. She believes this setback should serve as a wake-up call to UK Labour, showcasing the challenges they face in Wales.
Despite the blow, Morgan remains optimistic, recalling how the party turned around poor results in the past. “We can turn these things around. We’ve done it before,” she says, buoyed by the knowledge that other parties faced defeats too. Her focus now is on pushing forward with positivity, aiming to improve lives in Wales and demonstrating the impact Labour can have in both UK and Welsh governments.
Morgan is clear on one point: there’s work to be done, and the message from voters has been heard loud and clear. It’s time for Labour to regain trust, show its worth, and lean into a distinctly Welsh approach in governance. Congratulations are due to Plaid Cymru on their win, but Labour’s fight continues, with a resolve to be better and do better for the people of Wales.