Former Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, has been appointed Interim Leader of Welsh Labour following a meeting of the Welsh Labour Group earlier today.
Skates will serve as leader until a timetable is set for a full leadership election in line with Welsh Labour Rules. He received unanimous support from the new Welsh Labour group.
He was first elected in 2011, has held several Welsh Government roles including Transport Secretary and Economy and Infrastructure Secretary. Skates was re-elected to the Senedd for Fflint Wrecsam yesterday.
Speaking following his appointment, Ken Skates said “Today is just the beginning of a process that will help us to understand what we got wrong. Because we did get it wrong. There is no reading of this result that endorses every action we have taken as a Party, and our task now is to take the time needed and to work out what has happened. It is a task that will require every single one of us to take part in - every member, every councillor, every MS, MP, Lord and all roles in between. But it is not a task that is beyond us.
“I believe today, as I always have, that Welsh Labour is at its best when we are the champions of the people of Wales, our role is to serve, to fight for the issues that matter most. We are the Party that first sent Keir Hardie to Parliament, that created the NHS. We are the Party of devolution, the Party of free prescriptions, universal free school meals, social partnership and the future generations act.
"We are a party with an incredible history of serving Wales and her people, and we have so much more to give.”
His appointment as Interim Leader comes as former First Minister Eluned Morgan failed to retain her seat in the Ceredigion Penfro constituency.
Paying tribute to Eluned Morgan, Ken Skates said “I would like to thank Eluned for everything she has done over the past 2 years as our First Minister, and in her 30 years of service to Wales and the Labour Party. Her grit and determination in the face of true challenge is something we as a Party will always be proud of. She broke the glass ceiling, and her role in history as the first woman to lead our Party and country is an achievement second to none.”
Fatal Collision at The Tumble, St Nicholas Claims Life of 18‑Year‑Old Cardiff Man
Teen Makes Remarkable Recovery After Rare Swallowing Condition Leaves Him Unable to Eat or Drink
Barry Dock RNLI volunteer tackles tough cycling challenge in Europe
Community Planting Day Brings Generations Together at Victoria Park
First Minister quizzed on Welsh NHS pressures in his first-ever FMQs
Cardiff Airport welcomes over one million passengers as it becomes the UK’s second fastest growing Airport
17-year old Barry Island Stabbing victim undegoes life-changing leg amputation
Power connection problem hits Barry Island Public Toilet conversion scheme
A popular Vale of Glamorgan hotel could see a major development if plans are approved by the local council
Vale Council sets out 18 commitments and priorites for the year ahead
MS calls for more urgency in increasing frequency of train services on Vale Lines
Barry Sea Scout honoured at Windsor Castle
Actions of 8-year-old saves his and his Granscha's life
The people of Wales are the least likely of all four nations to consent to organ donation
Vale Veteran Celebrates Remarkable 100th Birthday
Resurfacing work at Barons Court
RNLI issue reminder about keeping your children safe at the beach this Half Term
Public Health Wales and Diabetes UK Cymru have joined forces to call on people to know their risk of Type 2 diabetes
Wales will continue to display messages warning motorists about the dangers of leaving dogs in a hot car during spells of warmer weather
Llantwit Major RFC scores with kind hearted donation
