Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan is set to deliver a major speech on Tuesday, distancing herself from Keir Starmer's UK Labour government and outlining a left-wing 'red Welsh way'. The address, billed as a reset moment for Welsh Labour, aims to counter threats from Reform UK and Plaid Cymru ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections.
Morgan will criticise Starmer's welfare reforms, particularly cuts to disability benefits, and position Welsh Labour to the left of the national party. She is expected to say: 'I will not hesitate to challenge from within, even when it means shaking things up and disrupting the comfortable.' The speech draws parallels with former First Minister Rhodri Morgan's 'clear red water' stance under Tony Blair.
Key demands include further funding for rail, removal of dangerous coal tips, and a significant share of the £2.5bn steel budget for Wales. Morgan will call for devolution of the crown estate to allow Wales to profit from renewable energy in the Celtic Sea, stating: 'We saw them take our coal. We saw them take our water. We will not let them take our wind, not this time, not on my watch.'
Morgan will also attack Reform UK, pledging to 'walk beside people – we don't divide them'. Internal Labour polling reportedly puts Reform on 25% in Wales, with Labour and Plaid Cymru tied at 21%. The speech comes amid concerns over welfare impact assessments for Wales and high disability benefit claimant numbers.
