Labour’s Eluned Morgan AM urges mass participation in UK Labour Leadership contest

MD and West Wales AM Eluned Morgan has urged those who share Labour’s vision of a fairer, equal and greener society to come together and join the Labour movement either as a registered supporter or a full member of the Party.

The experienced Labour politician made her call as the deadline to sign up to the Party neared for the contest to elect a new Leader and Deputy Leader to replace Jeremy Corbyn and former MP Tom Watson, who stood down at the last General Election.

At a time of continuing uncertainty over the performance of the UK economy, Britain’s departure from the European Union and rising international tensions, Eluned Morgan who is also Labour’s Minister for International Affairs and the Welsh Language in the Welsh Government said it was more important than ever that the Labour Party continues to be a welcoming and open political movement, ready to champion the causes and concerns of ordinary people across Wales and the whole of the United Kingdom.

Eluned Morgan said: “The message since the General Election has been clear. The country needs a strong and effective opposition to the new Tory government led by Boris Johnson. The leadership election will give the Party an opportunity to reflect on that dreadful result in December and to look ahead to how we can rebuild, regain trust and win for those communities that have been and will continue to be tossed aside by the Government in Westminster.”

Citing the divergence between political priorities in Westminster and Cardiff Bay, Eluned Morgan highlighted how Welsh Labour has put investment and sustainability at the heart of its delivery plan for the people of Wales: “Despite savage cuts to our budget, as a Government, we have continued to invest and take innovative steps to sustain public services. It hasn’t been easy, but importantly we have shown that we can do things differently in Wales, we can do things better – especially when we work together to make real change happen.”

Looking forward

“As we start a new decade, Wales needs a renewed sense of optimism because we have already proven that we are different. Wales has been resilient in dealing with yet another Tory government that has ignored the needs of the Celtic nations – and it continues to do so at its peril” continued the AM who through her links with Parliamentarians across the British Isles senses a growing unease at the One Nation Conservatism that puts only England first.

“Whatever the reason for voting Conservative last December, devolution means that Wales is always one step removed from the most extreme Tory policies outside of the cruel changes to welfare system, that has exacerbated poverty across Wales.”

Different policies have set Wales apart from the rest of the UK, with some of Welsh Labour’s leading achievements recognised in the UK Labour manifesto too.

As a recognisable face in front line politics in Wales, the UK and the EU, Eluned Morgan knows that it is at a grass roots level where real change is made and the policies of tomorrow are tested and developed.

“Since the election on December 12th, Labour membership has grown across all constituencies in Wales. For all the doomsday commentary and predictions about the end of the Labour Party, not winning the election has reinforced our membership support, the message that the Tories in government must and can only be opposed by a strong Labour Party is clear. For longstanding and new members alike, those who are increasingly frustrated with British politics, it is the start of a new beginning. So if you vote Labour and want us to rebuild our communities for the future now is the time to take your vote one step further. We are about to have a whole new conversation in our movement and I am looking forward to being part of that.”

Members of the public are being given two opportunities to take part in the leadership election contest. A 48 hour window to vote for a one off fee of £25 closes on Thursday 16th January at 5pm. New members to the political party, who join before Monday 20th January will also be able to participate in the election which will take place in early spring. The new leader and deputy leader will be announced on April 4th.