Vaughan Gething was chosen as the new first minister of Wales, making history as the first Black leader of a government in the U.K. He was elected by members of the Welsh parliament in Cardiff, following his victory in the leadership contest for Wales’ governing Labour Party. Gething secured 27 out of 51 votes in the Senedd, where Labour holds the majority.
The son of a Welsh father and a Zambian mother, Gething expressed that Wales is now the first nation in Europe to be led by a Black person.
In his statement to lawmakers, Gething expressed his pride in leading a modern Wales and acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with the role.
His vision includes leading a country that celebrates diversity and unity, embracing all aspects that bring people together.
Once approved by King Charles III, Gething will be sworn in, marking a momentous occasion.
With nonwhite leaders in three out of the four U.K. governments, the political landscape is shifting. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has Indian roots, while Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf has a Pakistani background. Northern Ireland is co-led by Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly, marking a significant change with no White male heads of government in the U.K.
Wales, with a population of approximately 3 million, is one of the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom, alongside England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. While the British government in London oversees defense and foreign affairs, the administrations in Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast manage key areas such as education and healthcare.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gething served as Wales’ health minister and has been the country’s economy minister since 2021.
Taking on a government often in opposition to Sunak’s Conservative leadership in London, Gething faces challenges, including protests related to environmental regulations by farmers, reminiscent of movements in other European countries.
During his leadership campaign, Gething faced scrutiny over donations totaling £200,000 ($255,000) from a recycling company with environmental violations and safety breaches. Gething defended the donations, stating they were transparently reported according to electoral rules.
SOURCE: cbsnews.com
