**A Year On: Eluned Morgan Reflects on Unforeseen Leadership, Political Headwinds, and High-Stakes Health Reform**
As the Welsh nation marks a year since Eluned Morgan took on the mantle of First Minister, the political landscape remains as complex and demanding as ever. In an exclusive interview, the Labour leader candidly shared thoughts on her reluctant ascent to Wales’ top job, the immense pressures ahead of a key Senedd election, and the deep personal roots that anchor her amidst a turbulent political climate.
Walking through the bustling streets of St Davids, Pembrokeshire, Morgan revisited treasured family memories—her grandmother’s shop, the pub where her daughter greeted her passing by, and the cathedral that has hosted family milestones. While her career has been rooted in Cardiff, St Davids provides a sanctuary from the relentless demands of public office. “As soon as I see the sea at Newgale, the pressure of Cardiff Bay fades away,” she admitted, underscoring how rare and precious such respite is in her weekly schedule.
Yet, Morgan’s personal responsibilities extend far beyond politics. Most weekends are spent tending to constituency matters and caring for her mother, Elaine, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. She still finds little time to rest, with Sunday often reserved for poring over emails and briefing documents in readiness for another week at the Senedd. The weight of duty is clear; it was, she confided, a major reason for initially ruling herself out when Mark Drakeford stood down as leader.
When Morgan finally declared her candidacy last July, it was out of responsibility rather than ambition. Partnering with fellow MS Huw Irranca-Davies, the pair sought to bridge divisions in the Labour ranks left exposed after Drakeford’s departure. “We weren’t close allies,” she revealed, “but our collaboration was about stitching the party together, not furthering personal ambition.”
Her path to leadership, however, has been far from straightforward or universally welcomed. Morgan admitted she once felt deeply rejected, coming third in a previous leadership race. Circumstances changed rapidly, and, with no one else stepping forward, she became First Minister—an opportunity she accepted with a sense of obligation more than personal aspiration. “After three decades in politics, when the time comes, you have to step up,” she reflected.
Since taking office, Morgan has taken a notably visible approach, appearing on major political podcasts and not shying away from candid—and sometimes controversial—statements. Her forthrightness has occasionally landed her in hot water, but she insists authenticity is non-negotiable. “I know who I am: an instinctive, authentic politician. If I tried to hide that, it just wouldn’t work,” she said, arguing that personal openness is as much a strength as a liability.
Nevertheless, criticisms have emerged about a perceived emphasis on publicity over policy, particularly after moments such as her DJ performance at Welsh Labour conference drew mixed reactions. Observers, including some within her party, have also questioned the depth and execution of her policy initiatives, especially after bold claims about making Wales a global leader in artificial intelligence.
Financial constraints remain a pressing challenge. Morgan has not been shy about demanding more support from Westminster, and tensions with UK Labour have occasionally boiled over—particularly regarding welfare proposals that she felt did not suit Wales’ unique needs. “I will always put country before party,” she asserted, even when such stances aggravate colleagues.
With the next Senedd election looming, the stakes are especially high. The threat to Labour’s dominance in Wales is real, coming from both Plaid Cymru and Reform, as well as potential splinter groups like Jeremy Corbyn’s Your Party. Morgan has steadfastly tied her administration’s success to reducing the longest NHS waiting times—a move seen by many as a significant electoral gamble. Setbacks, such as missing targeted reductions, have drawn criticism, though she remains optimistic that by election time, no one in Wales will wait more than two years—a claim she knows will be tested at the ballot box.
Morgan acknowledges that transforming healthcare is an immense project, with demand on the NHS unrelenting. Improvements in areas such as mental health for under-18s are cited as signals of progress, but she recognises that statistical advances are only meaningful if people, too, feel the benefit. “The proof is in whether your neighbour is okay, not just what the spreadsheets say,” she noted, capturing the reality that public confidence is as important as numerical targets.
Looking forward, Morgan is frank about the uncertainty of her political future. She is well aware that failing to deliver could see her tenure end prematurely, with wider consequences for Labour across the UK. For now, she is adamant that her actions are driven by integrity and a steadfast service to Wales: “Win or lose, I have to be true to myself—and to the people I serve.”
Her first year has been marked by both bold moves and bruising challenges. As she prepares for a defining election, Morgan’s journey from reluctant leader to the face of Welsh Labour stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of political life—and the personal resolve required to navigate it.