Foyghan Jethin: First Black Leader of a Government in the United Kingdom

Jethin was elected as the leader of the government by Members of the Parliament of Wales in Cardiff, four days after winning the position of leader of the ruling Labour Party in Wales. He received 27 votes out of 51 in the legislative council, where the Labour Party is the largest party. Jethin, the son of a Welsh father and a Zambian mother, stated that Wales is now "the first country in Europe to be led by a Black person." He added in remarks to legislators, "It is a matter of pride for modern Wales, but it is also a heavy responsibility for me – a responsibility I do not take lightly." He expressed a desire to lead a nation "that can celebrate our differences and take pride in all those things that bring us together." Jethin will take the oath of office once King Charles III approves his appointment, which is a formality. Now, three out of the four governments of the United Kingdom have leaders who are not white. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, has Indian ancestry, while the Scottish First Minister, Humza Yousaf, was born to a Pakistani family in Britain. Northern Ireland is led by Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little Pengelly, marking the first time there are no white male heads of government in the United Kingdom.