Introduction
As the Senedd Election approaches, who are the individuals aspiring to become the First Minister of their country?
In a series of articles, Cymru Fyw profiles the leaders of the main political parties in Wales.
Eluned Morgan began her political career at a young age and over the years has worked in parliaments in Brussels, London, and Cardiff.
A former Member of the European Parliament, a Baroness, and now First Minister of Wales since August 2024, her career has been diverse—combining international and local roles.
She was born in Cardiff in 1967, one of four children to Reverend Bob Morgan and his wife Elaine.
The family lived in the Trelái area of the city, but Ms Morgan's family also has strong ties to the St David's area in Pembrokeshire.
Eluned Morgan attended Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf and Coleg yr Iwerydd in South Glamorgan after gaining admission through a scholarship, before going on to study European Studies at the University of Hull.
Upbringing within the Labour Tradition
Bob and Elaine Morgan were Labour councillors, so seeing some of the party's leading figures at home was very common for the family.
Knocking on doors and canvassing with some of the most prominent left-wing figures in Wales, the Labour Party was central to Eluned Morgan’s childhood and development as a young woman, and it was inevitable that this would influence her.
Rhodri Morgan and his wife Julie often visited, as did Mark Drakeford and former UK Prime Minister James Callaghan. Neil and Glenys Kinnock were also close friends of the family.
Speaking on a special BBC Radio 4 programme, Lord Neil Kinnock said:
"Eluned is such an energetic person, and once she decides to do something she goes after it without stopping.
"I knew her father, Bob—a lovely man who was a leader on Cardiff Council.
"He (Bob) was a bus conductor who also took religious services and went on to be vicar in Trelái, Cardiff. So I knew her parents years before I knew Eluned."
Bob Morgan later led South Glamorgan Council.
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Music and Running
Ceri Innes Parry has been friends with Ms Morgan for over half a century and recalls her strong character at school.
"We have been friends since we were seven or eight years old—probably because our personalities are quite similar, loud and bubbly.
"We both loved performing, and I remember going with Eluned to sing at the Albert Hall on St David's Day in our Welsh costumes—I have a lovely alto voice!"
At school, Eluned Morgan excelled at running the 1,500m cross country, winning county competitions in her age group.
Eluned and Ceri’s favourite Welsh band at one time was Crys from the Resolven area. They were both very fond of the song "Pendoncwyr" from the album Tymor yr Heliwr (1982).
While a student at Coleg yr Iwerydd, music was central to Ms Morgan’s life—she was a fan of Barry Manilow, Queen, and David Bowie.
Ms Morgan played the trumpet, with her Colombian friend Claudia Velez at Coleg yr Iwerydd playing guitar. The two busked on the streets of Cardiff singing famous Spanish songs such as "Guajira Guantanamera" and "Maria Maria," as well as Welsh songs.
For a time, Eluned Morgan worked as a lifeguard at a swimming pool, and then for a year she went to South America to study Spanish and stayed with the family of her Coleg yr Iwerydd friend Claudia Velez. She had an adventurous period working on a coffee plantation in Nicaragua and travelling around Colombia.
Internship in Brussels
For a period, Eluned Morgan worked as a researcher for S4C, Agenda TV, and BBC Cymru.
She was interested in international affairs, and in 1990 secured a place as an intern in the European Parliament, working with the socialist group.
In 1994, she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament—the youngest of all 567 members.
During her time in the European Parliament, she was the budget spokesperson for the socialist group.
"She was young, full of enthusiasm, multilingual, very kind and very clever, and Labour to the core," said Neil Kinnock.
After leaving the European Parliament in 2009, Ms Morgan worked as National Development Director for SSE in Wales (SWALEC) from 2009 to June 2013, where she was responsible for establishing the SWALEC Smart Energy Centre in Trefforest.
In 2010, she was appointed to the House of Lords, taking the title The Right Honourable The Baroness Morgan of Trelái.
Welsh Senedd
Eluned Morgan was elected to the National Assembly, as it was then known, first in 2016, representing the Mid and West Wales region.
During her time in the Senedd, she has held several portfolios, including responsibility for Welsh language matters, international affairs, and then her appointment as Minister for Health in 2021.
Ms Morgan stood in the contest to become First Minister and leader of the Labour Party in Wales in 2018 after Carwyn Jones stepped down.
However, she finished third behind Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething, claiming 22.3% of the vote among members.
In March 2022, Ms Morgan was banned from driving for six months following multiple speeding fines.
The offence that took her over the maximum allowed points on her licence was driving faster than 30 mph on a road in the Wrexham area.
Role as First Minister
Vaughan Gething was elected First Minister in 2024 by defeating Jeremy Miles for the leadership. A few months later, Gething had to resign after details emerged about who funded his leadership campaign.
Therefore, the opportunity arose again for Eluned Morgan to run for leadership, and she was elected unopposed in July 2024. In October 2024, she also joined the King’s Privy Council.
Upon becoming First Minister, Ms Morgan stated she would take a break from her work in the House of Lords to focus on her duties in the Welsh Senedd.
Eluned Morgan has been married to Rhys Jenkins, a vicar and former doctor, since 1996, and they have two children—Arwel and Gwenllian. Like her parents and husband, Ms Morgan has stated that her Christian faith is very important to her.
In the 2026 Senedd Elections, Eluned Morgan will stand in the Ceredigion Pembrokeshire constituency—a large area geographically, stretching from Aberystwyth in the north down to Pembroke Dock.
The Labour Party has dominated the political landscape in Wales for over a century, and Eluned Morgan will hope to see the nation favour the party again and be re-elected as First Minister of Wales on 7 May.
The order of publication of the profile pieces was chosen at random—similar articles about leaders of all the main parties will be published between now and 10 April.
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