BASW Cymru congratulates new First Minister of Wales and calls for a timeline of action

In the three-month campaign to become the next Leader of the Welsh Labour Party, following the announcement that current First Minister and Leader of the Welsh Labour Party, Mark Drakeford MS, would be standing down, Mr Gething made a number of manifesto pledges.  In particular, he drew attention to issues around social care, poverty, health, housing, children, mental health and continued commitment to the National Care Service.

Speaking about Vaughan Gething MS, in his new role as First Minister of Wales, BASW Cymru National Director, Professor Samantha Baron, said:

“BASW Cymru congratulates Vaughan Gething MS on becoming the next First Minister of Wales.  With over a decade of ministerial roles within a number Welsh Government Cabinets, many of which related to social care, health and poverty, the new First Minister is uniquely placed to make a real difference to the many people who so desperately need help and support across Wales.

“In his manifesto, Vaughn Gething sets out his vision for a fairer future for Wales, based on common values where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.  While these are encouraging words, with potential to delivery tangible results for all, we need this ‘future’ to become a reality sooner rather than later.  He also acknowledges that this is a high stakes moment for Wales and we too fully recognise this. 

“What we need now from the First Minister is a clear timeframe of when these pledges will become reality.  BASW Cymru will also do whatever we can to help bring about the vital changes that are needed here in Wales.

“We would also like to thank the outgoing First Minister, Mark Drakeford MS, for his many years contribution to public office and for his continued commitment to social work and to BASW UK and BASW Cymru.”