Vaughan Gething Makes History as First Black Leader of Wales
In a historic moment for Wales, Vaughan Gething has emerged victorious in the Welsh Labour Party leadership contest, making him the first Black leader of Wales’ semi-autonomous government. The 50-year-old narrowly beat Education Minister Jeremy Miles in the race to replace First Minister Mark Drakeford.
Gething secured 51.7% of the votes cast by party members and affiliated trade unions, paving the way for him to become the fifth first minister since Wales’ national legislature was established in 1999. Once confirmed next week by the Welsh parliament, Gething will make history as the first Black leader of a government in the U.K. and by some definitions, of any European country.
With Gething’s win, three of the U.K.’s four governments will have non-white leaders, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. Wales, one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, will now be led by a trailblazing figure who has served as Wales’ health minister during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and currently holds the role of economy minister.
Despite controversy surrounding donations from a recycling company found guilty of environmental offenses and breaching health and safety regulations, Gething maintained his status as the front-runner in the leadership contest. His victory underscores a new chapter in Welsh politics, as he prepares to take on the responsibilities of leading the country towards a brighter future.
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