Where next for Wales? First Minister, Eluned Morgan talks priorities with Camargue.

The 2026 Senedd Election however is shaping up to be a political plot twist. Polls have Labour trailing behind both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. Some place Labour’s share of the vote on 10%, some on 20%, but either way, they’re not in the top two.

This week, Welsh Labour launched its Senedd 2026 campaign, unveiling five priorities for “a new chapter for Wales.”

In the first of Camargue’s pre-election Senedd Shake Up series, Bethan Proctor sat down with first minister, Eluned Morgan to dig into these priorities and find out what she’s banking on to get Labour back in the fight. 

What is your party’s overarching vision for Wales over the next Senedd term?

‘This election marks the next chapter for Wales. For years the Welsh Labour Government was forced into defensive politics by cuts made elsewhere, shielding Wales from harm. That era is ending. Wales now has a chance to choose its direction again. The next phase is about building growth and opportunity at home.

We want to make sure that every Welsh Labour policy passes one test – is it fair? Fairness isn’t just about cushioning people from harm; it’s about rewarding effort with visible progress – shorter NHS waits, stronger local economies and clearer routes into secure work.  That’s what we want to deliver.’

What do you see as the single biggest opportunity for Wales in the next five years?

‘We in Welsh Labour Government spent years laying foundations in skills, infrastructure, planning reform and long-term responsibility to future generations. Those foundations are now being used to grow clean energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and AI-enabled jobs rooted in Wales.

Our vision is for an Energy Independent Wales, built on clean, green, homegrown energy. This is a massive opportunity for the future but it must deliver for the people of Wales as well as working to combat the climate crisis. It must be a fair offer. It must bring bills down, it must bring jobs, it must bring benefits to communities.’

How will your party support economic growth and attract new investment into Wales?

‘It is so important to attract investment into Wales, which is why I held an Investment Summit in December. Because of that Summit, over £16 billion of investment in Wales was pledged.

A crucial variable that investors seek when looking where to invest is government stability. That is something only Labour can offer in Wales. We as a government have been stable, serious and focused on delivery. 

With investment comes growth. And with growth comes jobs, money in pockets, and boosted living standards. That is what I’m laser focused on bringing to Wales.’

What infrastructure improvements does Wales need most urgently, and how will you deliver them?

‘Railway infrastructure improvements has long been on the list of things we’ve lobbied successive UK Governments for. And now, with Labour in power in Westminster as well as Cardiff Bay, we’re seeing movement. 7 new train stations will be coming to Wales, as well as improvements to services. 

We also need to see further infrastructure improvement in our healthcare system to ensure we’re delivering the best level of care. That’s why we’ve pledged, if re-elected in May, to deliver at least three new hospitals, including replacing Wales' largest one, the University Hospital of Wales. ’

What role do you believe Wales should play in the UK’s transition to net zero?

‘An absolutely pivotal one. Our landscape – our long coastline, our valleys and mountains – means that we have such an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of the green industrial revolution in Wales. And we’re already making strides in this area, with new offshore windfarms in North Wales and the Celtic Sea, and solar farms in our valleys and cities. 

Reform UK said they wanted to reopen the coal mines and scrap net-zero commitments. Plaid Cymru is incredibly divided on clean energy, trying to block the infrastructure to deliver it.

Welsh Labour has the record and the vision to continue to put Wales at the forefront of the UK’s transition to net-zero.’

Wales stands at an important moment, with economic renewal, green growth and improved public services high on the agenda. Eluned Morgan’s focus on fairness and long‑term opportunity reflects one perspective in a wider national debate. As the 2026 Senedd Election approaches, continued dialogue between government, industry and communities will be essential in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for Wales.

For organisations wanting to engage effectively, anticipate change and make informed decisions, Camargue’s Senedd Shake Up package offers expert political insight and strategic guidance. We can help you interpret the shifting landscape — and position yourself for whatever comes next. For more information, please contact Bethan Proctor at bproctor@camargue.uk or Greg Phillimore at gphillimore@camargue.uk.