What Happened in Llandudno: How Eluned Morgan Became Labour's Most Authentic Leader

Three Appearances in 24 Hours: Eluned Morgan united Labour in Wales

In the mid-1990s, as a young national officer in the Labour Party, I first encountered Eluned Morgan, who had just become the youngest Member of the European Parliament at 27. Her energy was palpable, and her smile could light up the dreariest of conference halls. Over the years, I followed her journey from her deep engagement in European politics to her work as a colleague in the House of Lords and eventually as a member of the Senedd. Yet nothing prepared me for the whirlwind 24 hours we shared at this weekend’s Wales Labour conference in Llandudno.

The power of music

I arrived in town just in time for the Labour Party disco, a ritual almost as iconic as any policy speech. And there commanding the DJ booth was the First Minister herself. Glow sticks in hand, she was leading the singing, dancing, and joyous mayhem of a packed room. This wasn’t a calculated attempt to be “relatable” or a carefully staged photo-op. This was Eluned in her element, genuine, spontaneous and utterly engaging. The members adored her not just because the music was good but because her spirit was infectious. She reminded us that the best politicians are, at heart, the best connectors.

Uniting and leading

The next day brought a striking contrast. The tone shifted when Eluned stepped up to deliver her keynote address to the conference. Gone was the disco dynamo; in her place stood a thoughtful, serious leader laying out a vision for Wales. Her speech was precise and resonant, a call for unity and progress that captivated everyone present.

This was a conference that could have easily been marred by divisions lingering from the short and contentious tenure of her predecessor, Vaughan Gething. There were whispered concerns about potential discord. Yet Eluned, with her vivacity, integrity, and authenticity, kept the peace and galvanised the room. Her speech was grounded in a solid moral compass and a deep-rooted sense of service.

Later that evening, I saw another side of Eluned at the gala dinner. Standing before a room filled with guests, she delivered an after-dinner speech that was light, personal, witty, and profoundly human. She spoke of her children, weaving stories about growing up as a vicar’s daughter with a self-deprecating humour. The effect was immediate warmth and laughter spread throughout the room. It was more than just a speech; it was a masterclass in connection, making every guest feel like they had been personally acknowledged.

Eluned Morgan is a leader for our times, authentic, values-driven, and unifying in an era when division often rules the day. If I were Keir Starmer, I would seize every opportunity to work closely with her. She represents the best of what politics can be: energetic, empathetic, and unwavering in her principles.

For those 24 hours in Llandudno, I glimpsed a leader who embodies the spirit of modern Wales and who, in my eyes, stands as one of the most uniquely authentic voices in contemporary politics. Eluned isn’t just leading Wales. She’s showing all of us what authentic leadership looks like.