Ken Skates is the front-runner to become Welsh Labour's leader after the party unexpectedly accelerated the timetable to replace Eluned Morgan. Labour's nine MSs have seven days to declare their nominations, and no other candidates are widely expected to stand. Skates, interim leader since May, pledges to "build a new movement from the community up" and has already secured backing from senior colleagues including Huw Thomas, Lynne Neagle, Mike Hedges and Shav Taj. The expedited timetable was brought forward to align with the UK Labour leadership process and to limit summer speculation.
Ken Skates Poised To Become Welsh Labour Leader After Party Accelerates Contest
Ken Skates has held the interim role since the Senedd election which left his party with just nine MSs [Getty Images]
Ken Skates is widely expected to become the next leader of Welsh Labour after the party unexpectedly moved forward the process to replace Eluned Morgan. The party announced that its nine Members of the Senedd (MSs) will have seven days from Thursday to declare who they back.
What Changed
The leadership timetable had originally been due to begin in September, with a new leader named at the party conference in November. The Welsh executive committee decided to bring the schedule forward so nominations for MSs opened immediately and will run for seven days. The move aligns the Welsh MS nomination window with the UK Labour leadership timetable and aims to reduce prolonged speculation over the summer.
Who Is Ken Skates?
Skates, who has been acting as interim leader since the May Senedd election left Welsh Labour with nine MSs, said he would seek nominations from colleagues to become the formal leader. He previously co-chaired Vaughan Gething's 2023 leadership campaign and served as transport minister in the last Labour government. He is generally regarded as a centrist figure within the party compared with the more left-leaning policies associated with former first minister Mark Drakeford.
Support Within the Party
Senior figures have already signalled their backing. Huw Thomas—who had not ruled out standing—issued a statement giving Skates his full support, saying Skates has the experience to bring the party together. Lynne Neagle, Mike Hedges and Shav Taj have also confirmed their support. Taj described Skates as having been "a great interim leader" with his "full confidence and support going forward."
"I will be seeking nominations from colleagues to be a leadership candidate for Welsh Labour," Skates told the BBC. "In the short time since the election we have recognised the mistakes that led to our defeat, but also demonstrated why our party is the only one in the Senedd standing up for children, the vulnerable and people who want a better tomorrow. As leader of our party I would build a new movement from the community up, a true Labour movement focused on health and wealth for all."
Process Details
Under party rules, prospective candidates must effectively secure the backing of at least two MSs to stand. The MS nomination window opened on the same day as the nomination period for MPs in the UK Labour leadership contest and closes the following day. Welsh Labour says the next steps in the leadership process will be confirmed once nominations have closed.
Context
Welsh Labour had governed Wales for 27 years before Plaid Cymru took control following the recent Senedd election, in which former Welsh Labour leader Eluned Morgan lost her seat. The party is now regrouping and seeking a leader to rebuild its base and set out a positive agenda.
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