- Eluned Morgan pledges a “country first, party second” approach as Wales’ First Minister.
- Tackling long NHS waiting times is her top priority, with accountability measures for executives.
- Morgan emphasizes collaboration with UK Labour but won’t hesitate to challenge them for Wales’ benefit.
Eluned Morgan, Wales’ new First Minister, has committed to a “country first, party second” approach, indicating she’s prepared to challenge even her Labour counterparts in Westminster if it means standing up for Wales.
She views this as essential in securing more funding and improving the relationship between the Welsh and UK governments, which had been strained under Conservative leadership.
First Minister Eluned Morgan Puts Wales’ Interests Above Party Politics
In her efforts to tackle these issues, Morgan plans to push NHS leaders to be more accountable, particularly those in high-paying roles. She highlighted the significant salaries of health board chief executives and expressed her intention to make them responsible for better service delivery. By bringing in expert panels to identify areas of improvement, she hopes to speed up progress and ensure that taxpayer money is being effectively managed, with an emphasis on bringing down waiting times for the longest-suffering patients.
Morgan’s top priority is addressing long NHS waiting times, a pressing issue for many in Wales. Although she acknowledges that comprehensive healthcare reform will take time, she is committed to making measurable progress by the 2026 Senedd elections. She’s especially focused on holding NHS executives accountable, ensuring they deliver better services, particularly in areas that have lagged behind in performance.
To drive improvements, Morgan plans to introduce a panel of experts to evaluate the practices of different health boards. By spotlighting both successful initiatives and areas needing improvement, she hopes to create a system of accountability that will push leaders to act more responsibly. In particular, she pointed out that some well-paid executives have not been performing to the standards expected for their salaries.
This marks a significant shift in leadership style, as Morgan seeks not just to manage the NHS but to actively challenge its leadership. Her emphasis on transparency and expert-led evaluations signals a determined effort to change the status quo. While reforms may not be complete by 2026, her focus on delivery and measurable progress could lay the groundwork for long-term improvements.
Eluned Morgan’s leadership represents a shift towards greater accountability and putting the interests of Wales first. While challenges like the NHS wait times won’t be solved overnight, her focus on leadership responsibility and expert-driven solutions offers hope for more effective governance.
“I think it’s important that we put the pressure on those people who are managing the NHS, who are paid significant sums of money.”
