Cabinet minister Jo Stevens has attributed the Welsh First Minister's delayed support for Sir Keir Starmer to her demanding schedule, after Baroness Eluned Morgan faced scrutiny for not immediately backing the Prime Minister. The comments come amid a turbulent period for Labour, with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar recently calling for Sir Keir to resign, sparking speculation about further defections.
Busy Schedule Cited for Delayed Response
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens addressed questions on Times Radio regarding why Baroness Morgan had not promptly offered her support to Sir Keir Starmer following Anas Sarwar's public call for his resignation. Stevens emphasised that the First Minister is a busy woman with significant responsibilities, stating she could not be expected to react instantly to every political development.
"I don't think she could have been any clearer," Stevens asserted. "She's a busy woman, she's the First Minister of Wales, she's not going to be able to do stuff, you know, seconds after Anas Sarwar does his press conference. But she was very clear backing the Prime Minister."
Labour's Precarious Position in Wales
The political landscape in Wales is increasingly challenging for Labour, with the party facing the prospect of losing power in the Senedd for the first time since devolution. Recent polls indicate a significant shift in voter intentions, with Plaid Cymru leading at 37 per cent and Reform UK at 23 per cent, while Labour trails at just 10 per cent, behind the Greens on 13 per cent.
Baroness Morgan has previously urged voters not to treat the upcoming May Senedd election as a protest against Sir Keir's government, noting that the Prime Minister is not on the ballot paper in Wales. During a BBC Radio 4 Today programme appearance, she refrained from explicitly calling him a good prime minister, highlighting the delicate balancing act within the party.
Starmer's Visit and Railway Commitments
Sir Keir Starmer is visiting Wales today, marking his first trip since the government reversed its decision to postpone dozens of May council elections. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reinstated these votes after legal advice following a challenge by Reform UK.
During his visit, Sir Keir is expected to announce support for several key railway projects, emphasising joint collaboration between Westminster and Cardiff Bay. Proposed new stations include Magor and Undy, Llanwern, Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton, Cardiff Parkway, and Deeside Industrial Park.
"This Government is turning the page on historic dither and delay with seven new stations, thousands of jobs, and a generational commitment to build a rail network fit for Wales's future," Sir Keir declared. "This isn't tinkering nor sticking plasters. This is investment for the long term and change communities will feel. This is putting Wales on the front foot and getting Britain building again."
Coalition Government Likely After Election
Polling data suggests the Senedd is likely to be governed by a coalition of Plaid Cymru and the Greens, with Reform UK leading the opposition. This potential outcome could see Labour's representation drastically reduced from 29 seats to as few as eight, positioning them as the third-largest party in the Welsh parliament.
Baroness Morgan's delayed support for Sir Keir Starmer underscores the broader tensions within Labour as it navigates internal dissent and external electoral pressures. With the Senedd vote looming later this year, the party's unity and strategic direction remain under intense scrutiny, both in Wales and across the United Kingdom.
