What are the pledges of the candidates vying to lead Wales?

The race to succeed Mark Drakeford as leader of Welsh Labour will enter its final stages this month when party members receive their ballot papers.

Labour is the largest party in the Senedd and it is expected the winning candidate will be confirmed as first minister of Wales following a vote of the parliament’s members.

Education minister Jeremy Miles and economy minister Vaughan Gething are the two candidates who have thrown their hats in the ring.

With both contenders now having published their manifestos, Sky News takes a look at what they plan to do if they win.

NHS

Mr Gething says the NHS would always be the “budget priority” under his government.

The former health minister says he aims to establish a women’s health plan, arguing that women’s voices are “too often not taken seriously enough” in healthcare.

Mr Miles has pledged a “new deal” for Wales’s largest health board, Betsi Cadwaladr, which he says will fast-track reform and rebuild trust in the board following recent criticisms.

He has also vowed to strengthen accountability within NHS Wales, looking at the roles of health boards, the health service’s executive and the Welsh government.

Economy

A Vaughan Gething government would commit to creating new clusters of environmentally-friendly businesses, known as clean growth hubs.

He says a new fair work fund would also be established to support projects which are looking to champion better working practices.

Mr Miles says growing the Welsh economy would be his top priority and he would set up a new national economic council to advise the government.

His administration would launch a “make it in Wales” campaign in a bid to retain and attract talent – including financial incentives for recent graduates to stay in the country.

Education and environment

Mr Gething has pledged a new national mission to ensure everyone has the skills they need for the future.

Mr Miles has promised to work towards introducing free Welsh lessons for parents whose children attend Welsh-medium schools.

On the environment, both candidates have said they would tighten rules around protecting nature by setting up an environmental governance body.

Mr Miles has also pledged a phased end to greyhound racing in Wales – which has been one of the most well-supported petitions on the Senedd’s website.

Housing and culture

Mr Gething says he would introduce a programme of retrofitting existing housing stock to help cut carbon emissions.

He would further ensure the creative industries have the skilled workers they need through establishing Creative Academy Cymru.

Mr Miles says he would explore a new “Rent to Own” scheme.

He also says his administration would take all steps within its power to ban conversion therapy – a commitment already made by the Welsh government.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

What does the opposition say?

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, says both Mr Gething and Mr Miles are “continuity candidates”.

“It’s clear that whoever replaces Mark Drakeford, all Wales will get is more of the same,” he added.

What happens next?

Ballots will go out to Labour members in Wales on 16 February.

The result of the leadership election will be announced on 16 March in Cardiff.

Read Entire Article