Your support helps us to tell the story Read more Support Now From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more

The Labour First Minister of Wales made an unexpected gaffe on the campaign trail, accidentally urging supporters to back a rival party.

Baroness Eluned Morgan, the leader of Welsh Labour, was addressing a crowd at a crucial week-to-go event in Barry Island.

Concluding her speech, she declared: "One week to go, let’s open that new chapter for Wales, let’s have fairness you can feel, let’s vote Welsh Labour in the election next week."

However, she then added in Welsh, "Pleidleisiwch Plaid Cymru," before swiftly correcting herself to "Plaid Lafur (Labour Party)."

The slip of the tongue was met with amusement, as her audience responded with laughter, applause, and cheers.

Explaining the gaffe to ITV Wales, the First Minister said: “We’re all a little bit exhausted, once you switch into Welsh the word ‘Cymru’ comes off your lips.

“Obviously I’m very, very keen for people to vote Welsh Labour in this election.

“You know where you stand, waiting lists are coming down, nine months in succession.

“The plan is working – don’t put it at risk.”

open image in gallery Baroness Eluned Morgan, leader of Welsh Labour, visiting Barry Island, whilst campaigning for the upcoming Senedd election. ( PA )

Labour has led Wales for more than two decades but, if opinion polls are to be believed, Plaid Cymru and Reform UK are vying to become the biggest party in the Welsh Parliament after 7 May.

Earlier in the day, the Labour First Minister of Wales quipped Welsh Labour and UK Labour are like Gavin and Stacey.

Addressing a crowd of Labour supporters in Barry Island on Thursday, Baroness Eluned Morgan referenced the hit BBC series, adding “we’ve got lots in common, but there are times when we do things differently”.

Labour has led Wales for more than two decades but, if opinion polls are to be believed, Plaid Cymru and Reform are vying to become the biggest party in the Welsh Parliament after 7 May.

Lady Morgan said: “There’s a lot at stake here.

“I started one of my first speeches saying how Welsh Labour and UK Labour are a little bit like Gavin And Stacey, so it’s absolutely appropriate that we’re back here (in Barry).

“We’ve got lots in common, but there are times when we do things differently, and I’m proud that we always stand up for Wales.

“We’ve got a shared belief, though, in making things better for working people.

“It’s important that we’re kind at heart, we’re resilient, and that is the line that we have to defend to make sure that in one week’s time that spirit is still kept alive.”

open image in gallery Labour has led Wales for more than two decades but, if opinion polls are to be believed, Plaid Cymru and Reform are vying to become the biggest party in the Welsh Parliament after 7 May. ( PA Wire )

Lady Morgan and Sir Keir Starmer presented a united front when he visited South Wales in February, stressing the importance of delivering “side by side”, but the Prime Minister has been absent from the campaign trail.

The First Minister previously said Sir Keir was welcome to support Welsh Labour’s campaign if he brought more investment to Wales, but now prefers him to focus on “trying to resolve the situation in the Middle East”.