Pressure Mounts: Eluned Morgan Reflects on a Tumultuous Year as First Minister of Wales

Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, is grappling with increased pressure and scrutiny as she leads the Welsh Labour party into the next Senedd election after a challenging first year in office. Polls indicate a potential loss of Labour’s dominance in Welsh parliamentary elections for the first time since the 1920s, heightening her concerns about the party’s future. Reflecting on her role, Morgan acknowledges her historic responsibility as the first woman in this position, admitting she anticipated a tough time ahead.

During her first year, Morgan faced stern criticism from opposition parties who accuse her administration of drift, dithering, and failure to resolve ongoing issues. Her predecessor, Vaughan Gething, left amid controversy, which put additional pressure on Morgan to deliver results swiftly. Since assuming the role without a contested election, she has targeted significant issues, especially lengthy waiting times in the NHS, but acknowledges setbacks, particularly in the Betsi Cadwaladr health board. Morgan reported an increase in two-year waiting lists, yet remains hopeful about progress as efforts to alleviate some pressures through independent sector treatments and the opening of new facilities are underway.

Aside from healthcare, Morgan emphasizes the need for her party to remind voters of the benefits of Labour’s governance, such as free prescriptions and school meals, amidst rising challenges. She stated, “Every time you win an election it gets more difficult… of course, I’m feeling the pressure.”

A pivotal moment in her tenure was a notable speech dubbed the Red Welsh Way, aimed at criticizing the UK government’s treatment of Wales and echoing her dissatisfaction with funding support. Following the speech, she believes there’s been improved engagement with the UK government. Yet, ongoing internal party discontent persists as she defends her party’s deliberation process as a necessary precaution while addressing the need to focus on constituent priorities over internal squabbles.

Critics from the Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru have pointed to major challenges including two-year NHS waits, educational issues, and rising poverty levels, asserting that little has changed since Morgan’s rise to office. As Morgan ventures into a crucial election period, the stakes for both her leadership and the future of Welsh Labour are higher than ever, with numerous questions about her ability to meet both public and political expectations.