The Welsh Labour conference was an event full of surprises, with First Minister Eluned Morgan taking to the decks at Llandudno’s Boulevard nightclub in a bold move to show she isn’t just a ‘stuffy politician’. Sporting a light-up headband and rave glasses, she played a playlist that included hits from Catatonia, Tom Jones, and D:Ream, setting a fun tone for the conference weekend.
In her speeches, Eluned Morgan injected humor and personality, quoting lines from Sex and the City, sharing her past as a DJ, and poking fun at political opponents. She also announced various policies and initiatives, such as new NHS funding and support for Tata steelworkers, showcasing her focus on addressing essential issues.
The conference also featured speeches from UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, whose address received mixed reactions. While he discussed reform and Labour’s plans for the future, there was a notable absence of mention of farmers, despite their protests outside the venue. This led to questions about the party’s connection with grassroots concerns.
As the conference wrapped up, attention shifted to the upcoming budget vote in the Welsh Parliament, highlighting the need for cross-party support. With potential alliances with Plaid Cymru or the Liberal Democrats on the table, the political landscape in Wales remains complex and uncertain.
Despite the political challenges ahead, Eluned Morgan’s leadership style brought a sense of unity to the Labour party, with hopes of a more cohesive and inclusive future. As the festive season approaches, the conference seemed to symbolize a moment of coming together for a party that has faced internal divisions in the past.
Overall, the Welsh Labour conference was a mix of music, politics, and policy announcements, showcasing a party striving to connect with its members and address the pressing issues facing the country. With a renewed sense of purpose and unity, the conference set the stage for a crucial period in Welsh politics leading up to the next election.