Welsh Labour ‘world’s most successful party’
THE First Minister has claimed Welsh Labour is the most successful political party in the democratic world.
Speaking ahead of today’s 100th anniversary since Labour became the party with the highest number of MPs in Wales, Mark Drakeford said the reason for the party’s electoral success is that it “[doesn’t] take the Welsh public for granted”.
Since the 1922 general election, Labour has been the party with the most number of seats in Wales whether it be at Westminster, European or Senedd elections.
Speaking about the event, Mr Drakeford said: “Labour has much to celebrate by being the most successful political party in Wales and indeed in the democratic world.
“Even when the Party had difficult times across the UK, in Wales, support remained solid especially at the local government level. A part of the reason for that success is because we have never been complacent, and we do not take the Welsh public for granted. Our politicians are rooted in our communities and we retain a strong link with our trade unions which gives us a real sense of what the public wants. Our work is never complete and we will continue to fight for social justice at every opportunity adapting to the demands of a changing society.”
To mark 100 years since Labour became the largest party, an event is being held with speeches by key Welsh Labour figures, and music, at Cardiff’s Norwegian Church. The National Library for Wales in association with Mr Drakeford and Eluned Morgan will present a lunchtime lecture setting out the Labour story by Sir Deian Hopkin at the Pierhead reflecting on the journey from 1922 to 2022.
Marking the centenary, Labour leader Keir Starmer paid tribute to a “remarkable and unparalleled achievement”. He said: “Labour’s success in Wales reflects two things: first, the role of Wales in our party’s history. Welsh trade unionists were instrumental in the founding of our party, and it was a UK Labour government that created the now Senedd.
“Devolving power to the Welsh people was about respecting the Welsh way of life and recognised that Welsh people are best placed to make decisions
for their nation; this respect is held as firmly by the UK party today as it was then. And second, earning continued public trust is possible when we have and are guided by a firm set of values and principles.
“Labour’s record in Wales is an inspiration to our whole movement – but it’s more than electoral success. Successive Welsh Labour governments since 1999 have been able to put those values into practice to deliver for the Welsh people.”