Welsh Labour's New Generation to Lead Renewal Ahead of Senedd Election
Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan has emphasized that she is part of Labour's new generation as the party prepares for the next Senedd election in May.
Fourteen of the current 29 Labour Members of the Senedd (MSs) will stand down, signaling significant renewal after Labour has governed Wales for 27 years.
Morgan noted that long-serving figures such as Mark Drakeford and Jane Hutt are leaving, paving the way for a future-facing slate of candidates and a brand-new team that aims to set a different Cardiff Bay agenda.
Opposition parties including Plaid Cymru, Reform UK, and the Conservatives are framing the election as a vote for change, criticizing Labour's record on the NHS and education.
Within Labour, there are internal tensions; 11 backbench MSs wrote to the UK Prime Minister expressing concerns about UK funding controls. Morgan stated she aligns with the backbenchers but declined to discuss private conversations.
Contested issues include the UK Internal Market Act and related matters such as Crown Estate management and youth justice. Morgan reported quiet progress on Crown Estate and youth justice reforms and opposes the use of the single market act in Wales, calling for reform ideas to be discussed within Welsh leadership.
Recent positive developments highlighted include the UK's removal of the two-child benefit cap, mitigated reforms to winter fuel payments, plans for a nuclear plant in Anglesey, and a spending review allocating over £400 million for Welsh railways.
