Vaughan Gething has made history by becoming the new First Minister of Wales and the first black leader of any European country, promising a tenure of hope, ambition, and unity.
Vaughan Gething has been elected as the new First Minister of Wales, succeeding Mark Drakeford, who served in the role since 2018. Gething, who became the leader of Welsh Labour, won the vote in the Senedd on Wednesday, securing 27 out of 51 votes with support from Labour members and Jane Dodds, the Senedd’s sole Liberal Democrat member. This victory sees Gething becoming the first black leader of any European country, a historic milestone for Wales and Europe at large.
Before his election as First Minister, Gething was known for his role as the minister for the economy and had previously served as health minister during the Covid-19 pandemic. He has been a Member of the Senedd since 2011, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Welsh politics. His election marks him as the fifth leader of Wales since the establishment of the Senedd in 1999.
In his address, Gething emphasized his commitment to leading Wales with “hope, ambition, and unity” while also addressing the challenges of online abuse and the importance of identity and equality. He criticized the UK government for undermining Welsh devolution and expressed his dedication to standing up for Wales and its autonomous governance.
His vision for a Wales that embraces diversity and unity underlines his tenure’s aims, as he prepares to navigate his role with a focus on progressive leadership. The Conservative and Plaid Cymru leaders have extended their congratulations, signaling expectations for constructive collaboration under Gething’s leadership.
Vaughan Gething’s election and subsequent swearing-in ceremony signal a new chapter in Welsh leadership, reflecting a significant step towards inclusivity and representation in European politics. As the new First Minister of Wales, Gething is set to lead the nation towards a future framed by unity and diversity.
