Vaughan Gething makes history as he’s elected next First Minister of Wales — and Europe’s first black leader

VAUGHAN Gething made history yesterday when he was elected as the next First Minister of Wales – the first black leader of any European country.

Welsh Labour chose Mr Gething, 49, to be their next party leader after Mark Drakeford, who has held the position since 2018.

PA

Vaughan Gething made history when he was elected as the next First Minister of Wales – the first black leader of any European country[/caption]

Mr Gething beat his only rival, the education minister Jeremy Miles.

Welsh Labour said Vaughan Gething achieved 51.7 per cent of the vote compared to rival Jeremy Miles with 48.3 per cent.

Mr Gething was born in Zambia in 1974, where his father, a Welsh vet from Ogmore-by-Sea in Glamorgan, met his mother, a chicken farmer.

When he was two, his family moved to Abergavenny in Monmouthshire, where his father was due to start a new job.

But the offer was withdrawn when he arrived with a black family.

He has spoken out about his experiences of prejudice and said in his campaign material he does not want anyone in Wales to feel that way.