Gareth Lewis: Huge in-tray for new first minister

Eluned Morgan faces a huge number of tasks in the weeks and months ahead

After the turmoil of the past few months the mood at the Senedd among Labour Senedd members felt different.

There were plenty of smiles for starters and, perhaps, also a sense of relief. The new first minister, Eluned Morgan, was oozing enthusiasm.

As MSs drifted away from the post-vote reception I wonder how many fancied a spin on the temporary summer funfair that has popped up in Cardiff Bay?

2024 has probably been enough of a rollercoaster for them already.

But more twists and turns could come between now and the Senedd election in 2026.

The new FM is clearly up for this given her demeanour on Tuesday, and she will need to be.

The to-do list is formidable.

She needs to make sure that Labour Party unity extends beyond today's vote.

Part of that might come from whoever she appoints as new health secretary on Wednesday.

And she will need to decide whether her predecessor Vaughan Gething will have a place in cabinet.

What about the country more widely?

Record NHS waiting lists - on her watch as health secretary, steel jobs, farming subsidies, 20mph, cost of living and poverty, persuading another party or politician to do a budget deal. It goes on and on.

There were plenty of smiles on display from Labour Senedd members on Tuesday

She talked today about achievement and delivery.

But we still do not know what Ms Morgan stands for specifically or what her priorities are.

Opposition parties are demanding to know.

And expect Labour MSs to start putting pressure on too if we do not find out soon.

Her summer "listening exercise" will need to turn into a talking one.

Opposition parties would point out that new leader and Labour unity aside, nothing has changed.

As things stand they are doubtful there will be any significant change of direction to try and tackle some of those problems.

Job one is done - she is now FM.

The in-tray with the other jobs is already overflowing.