The eagerly awaited outcome of the race to become the next First Minister of Wales will be unveiled this Saturday, marking a significant moment in Welsh politics.
The contenders vying for this prestigious position are Jeremy Miles, the incumbent Minister for Education and Welsh Language, and Vaughan Gething, the current Minister for the Economy.
Their campaigns have captured the attention of Welsh Labour members and the public alike, as they seek to lead both Welsh Labour and the nation itself.
Welsh Minister (Credits: CBS 42)
The successor to Mark Drakeford, who has held the position of First Minister since 2018, will be announced following the closure of voting at midday on Thursday. The winner of this closely watched contest will step into the shoes of Drakeford, becoming Wales’ fifth leader since the establishment of the Senedd in 1999.
Participation in the election was restricted to Labour members and affiliates, encompassing approximately 100,000 individuals eligible to cast their votes. Vaughan Gething garnered support from prominent unions and notable figures like Lord Kinnock, a former leader of the UK Labour Party.
Welsh Minister (Credits: Sky News)
On the other hand, Jeremy Miles found backing among a majority of Labour Members of the Senedd, indicating a divided yet engaged electorate.
However, the leadership race has been marred by controversy, primarily revolving around Vaughan Gething. Concerns emerged regarding substantial donations totaling £200,000 made to Gething’s campaign by Atlantic Recycling, a company affiliated with Dauson Environmental Group and controlled by David Neal.
These donations occurred despite Atlantic Recycling facing environmental offences, including a hefty fine of £300,000 for breaching health and safety regulations following a worker’s tragic death in February.
The controversy surrounding Gething’s campaign donations has underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in Welsh politics.
As the anticipation builds for Saturday’s announcement, Welsh Labour members await the outcome with heightened scrutiny, hoping for a leader who will uphold the values of integrity and accountability while steering Wales through its next chapter of governance.
