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Morgan, 57, is currently the Welsh health minister and was the only candidate to replace Gething. She was announced as the new party leader on Wednesday and will become first minister after a confirmation vote in Wales’ parliament, the Senedd.

The quick change of leader avoids a leadership contest and enables Welsh Labour to project unity after the chaotic end of Gething’s tenure, which lasted just over three months.

“We’ve been through a difficult time, we’re now looking to the future," Morgan said. “I don’t think it’s been a pretty picture in the last few weeks. I think we’ve got to fess up and accept that’s the situation."

Gething, the son of a Welsh father and a Zambian mother, made history in March when he was elected by Welsh lawmakers to head the Cardiff-based administration, becoming the first Black leader of a government in the U.K.

He faced criticism for accepting 200,000 pounds ($255,000) in donations during his leadership campaign from a recycling company whose owner had been found guilty of environmental offenses and breaching health and safety regulations. Another company with the same owner was given a loan by the government-owned Development Bank of Wales in 2023 when Gething was economy minister.

In June, Gething lost a nonbinding in the Senedd, but said then that he would stay in his job.

He resigned last week after four members of his government quit in protest.

Wales, which has a population of about 3 million, is one of four parts of the United Kingdom, along with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The British government in London is responsible for defense, foreign affairs and other U.K.-wide issues, while administrations in Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast control areas such as education and health.

Morgan, who is also a member of the House of Lords — the upper chamber of the U.K. Parliament — said she was “truly honored� to become the first woman to lead Welsh Labour. She said "strength, stability and unity will be my guiding principles.�

, who also represents the Labour Party, said Morgan’s appointment was “fantastic news for Wales and the Labour Party."

“Eluned brings with her a wealth of experience and track-record of delivery, and as the first woman to lead Welsh Labour, she is already making history,� he said.