Who is Eluned Morgan? All About the first minister candidate

Eluned Morgan, born and raised in Ely, Cardiff, is set to become Welsh Labour’s first female leader.

She is the daughter of Revd Canon Bob Morgan and Elaine Morgan. Morgan received her education at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf and later earned a degree in European Studies from the University of Hull.

Her early career included roles as a researcher for S4C, Agenda TV, and the BBC.

European Parliament Career

Morgan began her career in European politics as a stagiaire in the European Parliament in 1990. In 1994, she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Mid and West Wales, becoming the youngest MEP at the time.

She served in this role until 2009, holding positions such as the budget control spokesperson for the Socialist Group and Labour’s European spokesperson on Energy, Industry, and Science.

She played a significant role in drafting the European Parliament’s response to the Energy Green Paper and negotiating the revision of the Electricity Directive.

Post-European Parliament Career

After leaving the European Parliament, Morgan worked as Director of National Development for SSE in Wales (SWALEC) from 2009 to 2013.

She was also appointed Chair of the Cardiff Business Partnership. In November 2010, she was granted a life peerage and became Baroness Morgan of Ely in the House of Lords.

Welsh Parliament and Government

Morgan entered Welsh politics in 2016 as an Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales. She was appointed Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning in 2017, and later Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language.

In October 2020, she was moved to the role of Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing, and the Welsh Language.

In March 2023, she faced a no-confidence motion over her handling of the Betsi Cadwaladr crisis, which was ultimately defeated.

In July 2024, Morgan announced her candidacy for the Welsh Labour leadership election, running on a unity ticket with Huw Irranca-Davies, who would serve as her deputy if elected.

Personal Information

Morgan is married to Rev Dr Rhys Jenkins, a GP and non-stipendiary priest. She is a Fellow of Trinity College Carmarthen and an Honorary-Distinguished Professor at Cardiff University. Her family originates from St David’s in Pembrokeshire.

In March 2022, Morgan was banned from driving for six months following repeated speeding violations.