Welsh health secretary Jeremy Miles has announced he will not stand in the 2026 Senedd election.
The Neath MS, who stood against Vaughan Gething to be leader of Welsh Labour in 2024, has written to his local party and the first minister to announce his decision.
He said having “had the opportunity to reflect over the summer recess” he has concluded that the end of the Senedd term is “the time to seek a new and different challenge”.
His announcement comes in an already difficult week for Labour in Wales – days after another opinion poll suggested support for the party was at a record low.
Miles, one of the first openly gay Senedd members, has served in several high-profile government roles since he was first elected to represent Neath in 2016, including health secretary, economy and energy secretary, Brexit minister, education minister and counsel general.
In his letter to Eluned Morgan, Miles said: “As you will know, being in frontline politics is all-consuming and takes precedence over so much else in life. The pressure is real and sustained over a long period.
“Upon reflection this summer, I decided that the end of this Senedd term is the time for me to seek a new and different challenge, one which allows me perhaps to strike a better balance between work and those in my life who I love.”
He expressed his support for Morgan: “Your energy and determination is unmatched in our parliament.
“You are the driving force focused on delivering for the people of Wales and you will continue to have my complete support during the rest of my time in the government and beyond.”
The first minister, in her response to Miles’ letter, said his “achievements for the people of Neath and the Welsh government have been completely remarkable”.
She added: “You’ve also been an important LGBT role model, as the first openly gay man to stand for election as leader of Welsh Labour and first minister. As you’ve said a number of times over the years, sometimes being yourself is the most powerful thing you can do for others.”
BBC News