'Labour will act on the message from Caerphilly'

Eluned Morgan, First Minister and Labour Leader, on how Welsh Labour will move on after Caerphilly election defeat

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WHAT happened in Caerphilly last week was a hard lesson after a tough summer for Welsh Labour.

We lost our friend and colleague Hefin David and within weeks were deep into a by-election that no party would have wanted to have in such circumstances. We grieved while we campaigned.

We fought to keep the seat, not just because it had been Labour over a century, but because we wanted to preserve Hefin’s legacy.

In his victory speech, Lindsay Whittle paid tribute to Hefin and pledged to continue his work. We are grateful for that.

On Friday, I spoke to the Prime Minister and met with the Welsh Labour Senedd group about our next steps. When I spoke to the media, I was clear that I take responsibility as leader.

We should have done more to show the difference Welsh Labour makes in government - nowis the time for accountability and action.