FRONTRUNNER for Welsh Labour leader Jeremy Miles quit the race to replace Vaughan Gething today, nominating Baroness Eluned Morgan instead.

Over the past few days, unnamed supporters of Mr Gething made moves to stop Mr Miles from standing for leader, saying they would not work with him and claiming he would divide the party.

Mr Miles resigned as economy minister last week along with three other senior ministers, forcing Mr Gething to resign as first minister.

After Mr Gething had received a donation of £200,000 from a businessman twice convicted of environmental crimes, Mr Miles upset the First Minister’s supporters by telling the media he would not have accepted the donation.

Mr Miles had started the weekend saying he had already reached the threshold of nominations for a second tilt at the top job.

But he nominated Ms Morgan for leader today, who is expected to confirm her candidacy tomorrow. 

“I hope Eluned becomes our leader — her leadership would enable us all to move forward, united in delivering the vision of the Welsh Labour government,” Mr Miles said.

“Eluned is a friend as well as a valued colleague. She has stood up for the interests of Wales in the Senedd but also in Europe and Westminster.”

The move surprised many in Welsh Labour, especially after Ms Morgan had already said how difficult she found the job of cabinet secretary for health and social care.

Baroness Morgan of Ely has been a member of the House of Lords since 2011 and was formerly a member of the European Parliament.