Welsh First Minister Faces Backlash Over Starmer Stance
Baroness Eluned Morgan, the Labour First Minister of Wales, has come under significant criticism for her perceived "silence" regarding Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's future. This follows mounting pressure for the Prime Minister to resign in the wake of the controversial appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to Washington.
Sarwar's Public Call for Resignation
The controversy intensified when Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar publicly urged Sir Keir Starmer to step down during a press conference. Sarwar's call centres on the scandal surrounding Lord Mandelson's appointment, despite known links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Morgan's Refusal to Comment
Baroness Morgan has previously declined to state whether she considers Sir Keir a "good" Prime Minister. However, she has notably not joined the growing chorus of voices demanding his resignation. This position has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents in Wales.
Plaid Cymru's Strong Criticism
Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, launched a direct attack on the First Minister, accusing her of being "silent" and "happy for the chaos to continue." In a strongly worded statement, ap Iorwerth argued that Starmer has lost all moral authority and self-awareness.
He stated: "Of course Keir Starmer has to go. He's lost all moral authority and the self-awareness to do the right thing. It's now a question of when Labour members will push the button."
Ap Iorwerth further criticised Morgan for her silence on Starmer's lack of judgment, particularly regarding evidence that the Prime Minister was aware of Mandelson's close relationship with a paedophile before making the ambassadorial appointment. He accused her of prioritising her "empty slogan of 'partnership in power'" above addressing the crisis.
Labour Support for Starmer
In contrast to the criticism, several Labour figures have publicly supported the Prime Minister. Jo Stevens, the Secretary of State for Wales, expressed strong backing for Sir Keir in a social media post on Monday afternoon.
Stevens wrote: "Keir Starmer is a good, decent man with public service running through his veins. He came into politics for all the right reasons. He's defied the naysayers many times and he'll do so again. He's changing and renewing our country and has restored its reputation across the world."
Political Implications
The situation highlights growing divisions within the Labour Party across the UK nations. While Scottish Labour's leader openly calls for resignation and Welsh opposition criticises silence, key Westminster figures continue to offer unwavering support. This creates a complex political landscape for Baroness Morgan, who must navigate loyalty to her party leader while facing pressure from political opponents in Wales.
The controversy continues to develop, with observers watching closely to see if the Welsh First Minister will break her silence or maintain her current position as calls for Starmer's resignation potentially intensify in the coming days.
