Welsh Labour is set apart from UK party

Welsh Labour is setting itself apart from its UK counterpart, First Minister Eluned Morgan has said.

In an interview marking the start of the new Senedd term, she told Politics Wales she was “determined to make sure that people recognise” that in Wales, “we hold on to the values that have always set us apart”.

Her comments come after a turbulent week in which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faced intense scrutiny over the appointment of US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Her remarks signal a further separation from the UK party following her landmark speech in May in which she pledged to “call out” Sir Keir if she disagreed with him, coining the phrase the “red Welsh way”.

There have long been tensions within the party over whether Welsh Labour should follow the UK party or pursue a more pro-devolution path, which Rhodri Morgan called the “clear red water”.

After Sir Keir’s 2024 general election win, Welsh Labour campaigned on the idea that the first minister would work closely with him in a “partnership in power”.

But some Welsh priorities, such as rail funding and justice devolution, were ignored.

Asked if she would now “double down” on the “red Welsh way” in light of the unpopularity of Sir Keir’s government, Morgan said she would “double down on the things that are my responsibility”.

She did not show support for the prime minister, but rather implied she wanted the public to understand she has no control over the decisions made by No. 10 and the UK government.

Morgan added: “It’s important that I’m held to account for the things that are within my power and responsibilities.

“That’s why the red Welsh Way is important, it’s in keeping with the values of the people of Wales”.

With the Senedd election approaching, Morgan also explained how it was an “opportunity for us to go out and make sure we’re aligned exactly with what people want us to do”.