Tag

First Minister

All articles tagged with #first minister

politics1 year ago

"Vaughan Gething Makes History as Wales' First Black Government Leader"

Vaughan Gething, a Zambian-born lawyer, has become the first Black head of government in Wales and in all of Europe. At 50, he is the first Welsh leader to come of age after the devolution of powers from the U.K.'s central government. Gething, a member of the Labour Party, previously served as Welsh health minister and economy minister. His election means three of the U.K.'s four countries now have non-white leaders, marking a significant shift in political representation.

politics1 year ago

"From Teen Mum to First Minister: The Remarkable Rise of Michelle O'Neill in Northern Ireland"

Michelle O'Neill, a former teen mum and daughter of an IRA family, has made history as the first republican to lead the government of Northern Ireland. As the leader of Sinn Fein in the UK, she has injected glamour into the party and taken a publicly moderate position. Despite her IRA background, she has risen to the top, becoming the First Minister in the powersharing Stormont Executive. O'Neill's journey has seen her navigate criticism for attending events commemorating IRA members and facing a budget crisis and crumbling public services as she takes on her new role.

world1 year ago

"Michelle O’Neill Makes History as Northern Ireland's First Nationalist First Minister"

Michelle O'Neill of Sinn Fein has been named as Northern Ireland's first minister, marking a historic moment as the party has historic ties to the Irish Republican Army. This appointment signifies a significant shift in the region's political landscape and comes as a power-sharing government is restored, with O'Neill expressing commitment to reconciliation and moving forward.

politics1 year ago

"Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill Makes History as First Nationalist Leader of Northern Ireland"

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill made history by becoming Northern Ireland's first minister, marking the return of the government after a two-year boycott by unionists. The power-sharing government, established under the Good Friday peace accord, includes both British unionists and Irish nationalists. O'Neill, a member of Sinn Fein, will share power with deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly from the DUP, and pledges cooperation with colleagues of a unionist tradition. The return to government follows a dispute over trade restrictions related to Brexit, with the U.K. government agreeing to new changes to ease customs checks and provide funding for Northern Ireland's public services.

politics1 year ago

"Michelle O’Neill Makes History as Northern Ireland's First Minister"

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill has been appointed as Northern Ireland's first minister, marking the first time an Irish nationalist is leading the UK territory's devolved government. Her appointment comes after the Democratic Unionist Party ended a two-year boycott, and signals a new era for the power-sharing government. O'Neill's ascent reflects the increasing popularity of Sinn Fein and their belief in a united Ireland. The return to government follows a UK government deal to ease trade frictions, and O'Neill will share power with the DUP's Emma Little-Pengelly as deputy first minister.

politics1 year ago

"Northern Ireland's Historic Political Shift: From Powersharing to Sinn Fein's First Minister"

Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill is set to become Northern Ireland's first republican first minister, marking a historic shift in the region's power dynamics. This comes after a two-year political deadlock, with the Democratic Unionist Party striking a deal with the UK government on post-Brexit trade arrangements. O'Neill's appointment reflects a significant change in Northern Ireland's political landscape, with implications for the delicate power-sharing agreement and the prospect of Irish unity.

politics1 year ago

"Northern Ireland's Historic Shift: Electing the First Irish Nationalist First Minister"

Northern Ireland is set to elect Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill as the Irish nationalist First Minister, marking a historic shift and a significant milestone in the region's political landscape. O'Neill's election is made possible by a compromise between Sinn Fein and its rival, the Democratic Unionist Party, which ended a boycott of the power-sharing government. This move signifies a shift to a new generation of more pragmatic Irish nationalists, but also places pressure on politicians to focus on addressing bread-and-butter issues rather than solely on the prospect of a united Ireland.

politics2 years ago

"Vaughan Gething's Bid to Succeed Mark Drakeford as Wales's First Minister"

Vaughan Gething, the Welsh government's economy minister and former health minister during the COVID pandemic, has announced his candidacy to become the leader of the Labour Party in Wales and potentially the first minister of Wales. The contest was triggered by the resignation of Mark Drakeford, who held the position for five years. Other potential candidates include Eluned Morgan and Jeremy Miles, while Andrew Morgan has expressed support for Miles.

politics2 years ago

"Mark Drakeford's Departure Sparks Speculation on Wales' Next First Minister"

Mark Drakeford, the outgoing First Minister of Wales, may have been perceived as unassuming and modest, but his record in government has been anything but dull. Known for his left-wing ideology and support for Jeremy Corbyn, Drakeford imposed strict lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, often tougher than those in England. While praised by supporters for his handling of the pandemic, he faced criticism from Tory politicians regarding the NHS and long waiting times. Drakeford's resignation, in line with a previous pledge, may have also been influenced by the recent death of his wife. Despite lacking flamboyance, his policies and tenure have left a lasting impact on Wales.

politics2 years ago

"Mark Drakeford's Resignation Marks the End of an Era in Welsh Politics"

Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, has announced that he will step down from his role after five years in office. Drakeford, who has led the Welsh Government since 2018, will also resign as Welsh Labour leader in March. He plans to remain in his position until his successor is chosen. Drakeford expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and highlighted the achievements made during his tenure. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wished him well in his future endeavors.

politics2 years ago

"Mark Drakeford's Resignation: A Tribute from Keir Starmer"

Mark Drakeford, the Welsh Labour leader and first minister of Cardiff's devolved government, has announced his resignation. He will step down as Welsh Labour leader immediately and as first minister following a leadership election in the new year. Drakeford, who has served as first minister for five years, had previously stated his intention to quit before 2024. Known for his clashes with former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the pandemic, Drakeford expressed hope that the next Welsh Labour leader will have the opportunity to work with a newly elected Labour government in London.

politics2 years ago

Humza Yousaf becomes Scotland's new first minister, vows to govern for all Scots.

Humza Yousaf has been confirmed as Scotland's new first minister, succeeding Nicola Sturgeon. He is the country's sixth first minister and first from an ethnic minority background, as well as the youngest first minister at 37 and the first Muslim to lead a major UK party. Yousaf was backed by his own MSPs and the Scottish Greens, guaranteeing him a majority. He pledged to create a "minister for independence" in his government and said he would stand up to any attempts to "undermine devolution".

politics2 years ago

Humza Yousaf elected as new leader of Scotland's ruling party SNP.

Humza Yousaf has won the Scottish National Party leadership contest and is set to become Scotland’s First Minister replacing Nicola Sturgeon. Yousaf won 52% of the final votes cast, running on a platform dedicated to delivering Scottish independence, combating the cost-of-living crisis, rejoining the European Union, banning conversion practices, and transitioning to renewable energy, amongst other campaign promises. Yousaf takes over a party with an overriding objective to end Scotland’s three-centuries-long union with England.