FM compares her influence on Starmer to that on Trump

"I could call on Donald Trump to do things too," said Eluned Morgan

Wales’ Labour first minister has likened her influence on Keir Starmer to her influence on Donald Trump.

Speaking to Y Byd yn ei Le (Put the World to Rights) on S4C, Eluned Morgan said: “Let us not overstate my influence” on the UK Labour leader and prime minister.

Asked why she had not called for a rethink on winter fuel payment cuts, she said: “I could call on Donald Trump to do things too.”

Plaid Cymru called the comments "disgraceful and concerning" while the Welsh Conservatives said they were not surprised.

According to UK government estimates, the decision by Sir Keir's new Labour government to cut winter fuel payments for most pensioners is expected to affect 400,000 homes in Wales.

The change will mean that only those pensioners receiving pension credits or other benefits will now be eligible for the payment, which is worth up to £300.

Responding to criticism of that policy and its effect on Welsh pensioners, Morgan said she would focus on what’s within my responsibility.

"There are things I can’t influence," she said.

Asked why she would not call on Keir Starmer to rethink the plan, she said: "I could call on Donald Trump to do things too."

Pushed on whether she might have more influence with a fellow UK Labour leader than the former US president, Morgan said: "I have a relationship now with Keir Starmer, but I’ve only met him once, so let us not overstate my influence."

Eluned Morgan said she had only met Keir Starmer once, referring to a meeting last month in Cardiff

Andrew RT Davies, Welsh Conservative leader in the Senedd, said it was "no surprise that the first minister has little influence over the prime minister".

"Over the past 25 years, Labour in Wales have been a case study in how not to govern, so not many people would be turning to the first minister for advice," he said.

"But on important matters, such as the unforgivable decision to scrap winter fuel payments, Starmer and Morgan are sadly singing from the same hymn sheet anyway."

Plaid Cymru Senedd member Sioned Williams said that "time and again our new first Minister refuses to accept that she needs to stand up to Westminster to protect the interests of the people of Wales, despite saying a number of times they would benefit from having two Labour governments each end of the M4".

"It’s disgraceful and concerning hearing her deny she has influence," she added.