Vaughan Gething has made history by winning the Welsh Labour leadership contest, setting the stage to become the first black leader of Wales and, notably, the first black leader of a European country. Gething, who hails from a background in economy and health within the Welsh government, emerged victorious against Jeremy Miles following Mark Drakeford’s decision to step down after leading Wales since 2018.

At 50, Gething has had a political journey marked by significant achievements and controversies alike. His victory was announced at Cardiff University, with the formal power handover scheduled to occur on Wednesday, following a vote in the Senedd. Gething’s leadership arrives at a challenging time for Wales, facing issues such as NHS waiting times at an all-time high, farmer protests, and post-pandemic economic recovery.

Gething’s campaign focused on promises to enhance the Welsh NHS, create green jobs, improve infrastructure and education, and raise Wales’s international profile. However, his campaign was not without scrutiny, as he faced criticism over financial support from a source previously fined for environmental offenses. Despite this, Gething has promised to guide Welsh Labour through these tough financial times and focus on health, education, and consensus building.

Born in Zambia to a Welsh father and Zambian mother, Gething’s path to leadership reflects his resilience and commitment to inclusivity and diversity. His previous roles in the Welsh cabinet, starting in 2016, and his tenure as a Member of the Senedd since 2011, have all contributed to his readiness to take on the role of First Minister. As Wales anticipates the next chapter under Gething’s leadership, the country stands at the cusp of addressing longstanding challenges with a fresh perspective.