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Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth has been elected First Minister of Wales – becoming the first politician from outside the Labour Party ever to hold the office.
His family – his wife, two daughters and son – watched from the public gallery of the Senedd as the historic moment unfolded.
A new era
The vote took place at the first sitting of the newly expanded Senedd. Reform UK leader Dan Thomas and Conservative Darren Millar were also nominated for the role, but Mr ap Iorwerth secured the majority needed to take office.
Before the First Minister vote, Labour’s Huw Irranca-Davies was elected as the new Llywydd, with Plaid Cymru’s newly-elected Ceredigion Penfro member Kerry Ferguson chosen as his deputy.
‘The greatest privilege of my life’
Addressing the chamber after the result, Mr ap Iorwerth spoke of the weight of the moment and his determination to deliver for the country.
“It’s the greatest privilege of my life to be elected First Minister of the nation that means so much to me. I begin the journey humbly, indebted to the support and love of my family, who are here today, and to my mother, who continues to influence me today as much as ever, to friends and to colleagues.
“I’m eager to repay the trust that the people of Wales have placed in us, and to achieve the change that people have stated so clearly that they wish to see.”
He set out a vision for a government that would serve every part of Wales, pledging to bridge divides across communities and generations.
“The Plaid Cymru Government will be here to serve everyone in every community, urban and rural, old and young, whether they speak Welsh or do not, those who have always been here and those who are new amongst us, south, east, west and north. Where there is common ground, we will make every effort to find it and where unfairness and injustice threaten the fabric of our nation, we will turn that mission of kindness and tolerance into support for those who need it most.
“Wales is a vineyard entrusted to our care, and we will care for her in the name of all of those who came before us and all those who will follow.”
Tribute to predecessor
Mr ap Iorwerth used his speech to pay tribute to outgoing First Minister Eluned Morgan, who led the previous Labour Welsh Government.
“I want to pay tribute to my predecessor in this role. With resilience and determination, Eluned steered her Government and her nation with enthusiasm and with pride at all times. As a father of two daughters, I thank her for shattering that glass ceiling, and in so doing inspiring young women across Wales and beyond. Thank you, Eluned.”
Eluned Morgan’s farewell
In a Facebook post following the transition of power, Baroness Morgan sent her “very best wishes” to the incoming government.
“Whatever our political differences, I believe we all want the same thing at heart: a fairer, stronger and more confident Wales,” she said.
“I leave this role immensely proud of what we have achieved together – from supporting our NHS and public services, to standing by communities through difficult times, investing in young people and showing what Welsh values of compassion and solidarity look like in practice.
“Wales is a small nation with a big heart. It’s story is still being written, and I am deeply proud to have played a part in that story.”
