Conference, I am proud to stand before you today, not just as the
Welsh Labour leader, but as a catalyst for change. I am the first
Labour woman in the history of our party to lead a country, and
isn't it about time.
I've taken office at a moment of real opportunity. For 14 long
years, we in Wales have faced friction and frustration, battling
against the tide of Tory rule in Westminster. But now, the winds
of change are blowing - and they're blowing in Labour's favour.
Can you feel it? The energy. The optimism. The sheer potential of
what we can achieve together. We now have two Labour governments,
united in one mission: to deliver real, transformative change for
the people of Wales and the people of the United Kingdom.
I've been in this role for just 48 days, and I've experienced a
seismic shift in the relationship between our governments.
Already, we've begun to deliver, inflation busting pay rises for
our public sector workers, a commitment to cleaner, greener jobs
and renewable energy, better support packages for Tata steel
workers. But this is just the beginning.
My roots are firmly planted in the proud Welsh radical tradition
of Nye Bevan, Neil Kinnock, and . Growing up in a Vicarage in
Ely, Cardiff - formally Europe's largest council housing estate -
I witnessed first-hand the corrosive impact of inequality and
injustice.
I remember Rob, a bright young boy who, at just ten years old,
found himself wandering the streets after being kicked out of his
home. My father discovered him at the back of the church. Rob had
the potential to shine as brightly as any of my brothers, yet
someone had convinced him not to bother turning up for his GCSEs,
because "exams aren't for the likes of us."
Well, I'm in politics for the Rob's of this world - to ensure
that talent like that isn't wasted, and to make sure that
everyone has the opportunity to fulfil your potential is a right,
not a privilege.
[In Welsh] Dwi wedi dod yn Brif Weinidog Cymru ar foment
arbennig. Nawr mae gyda ni gyfle gyda dwy lywodraeth Lafur yn
cydweithio i adeiladu partneriaeth mewn pŵer a fydd yn trawsnewid
ein cymdeithas. Fe wnawn ni hynny trwy weithio ar y cyd, yn
cynnwys ar draws ein gwasanaeth iechyd.
Over the summer, I travelled across Wales – I engaged on high
streets, in agricultural shows, and on factory floors. I listened
really carefully to what people had to say, and what I heard has
shaped the priorities that we will focus on until the next Senedd
election.
But as we set out our vision for the future, it's worth reminding
people what we've already achieved, despite 14 years of Tory
austerity.
We've made remarkable progress, in Wales if you are over 60 and
you need to catch a bus - its free, if you're parking in a
hospital - its free, if you need medicine - its free, and since I
have become First Minister, I'm proud to say that if you are a
primary school child in Wales your lunch - is free
We also give care leavers a universal basic income, we have the
second-best recycling rates on the planet, we've introduced a
youth guarantee scheme and we've brought in laws to eliminate
profit from children's care homes.
We know we face big challenges. The NHS in Wales like the rest of
the UK is under pressure and needs reform, but in many aspects,
we are further ahead with those reforms.
These challenges demand action, and we're tackling them head on.
With a new GP contract to eliminate the 8am bottleneck, teeth
cleaning programs in schools and care homes, ambitious community
prescribing schemes, dedicated mental health support in schools
and via phone lines .
But you know what? We are not claiming a monopoly on good ideas.
We're ready to learn from our neighbours and we are happy to
share where we have already delivered.
And what comes next? Well, as the new leader I promise you this -
we will focus relentlessly on delivering the peoples priorities
before setting out our vision for the next election.
We also stand ready to work with the UK Government to develop the
recommendations of Gordon Brown's excellent report on
constitutional reform. Soon, we will be approaching the 2026
Welsh Senedd elections. At that point the nation will stand at a
crossroads. Labour has been the largest party in Wales for more
than 100 years, and conference, I want you to know – that record
is not going to slip on my watch.
A lot done - a lot to do - and a hell of a lot to lose if we are
not returned to power.
We can't achieve everything overnight, but I'm delighted to be
working with the First Woman Secretary of State for Wales, and the Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour, , as we gear up for that
challenge. Three feisty women determined to succeed for the
people we represent.
With Welsh Labour governments in Cardiff and Westminster, we have
a once in a generation opportunity to build a fairer, greener,
and more prosperous future for everyone.
Let's seize this moment. Let's work tirelessly to deliver the
change our people deserve.
Let's give hope not just to Wales, not just to Britain, but to
all who believe in the power of progressive politics to transform
lives.
