Eluned Morgan has been sworn in as the new First Minister of Wales, the third leader of the country this year.

The Mid and West Wales MS succeeds Vaughan Gething, who lasted fewer than 140 days as first minister, having presided over a turbulent period in office, beset by rows over donations and sacked ministers.

Baroness Morgan, 57, was confirmed as leader of the Welsh Labour Party on July 24, but could not take over as First Minister without a vote in the Senedd.

The Welsh Parliament, which would normally be on summer break, was recalled on Tuesday to allow Baroness Morgan, the health minister, to take over as leader of the Welsh government.

She becomes the the first woman to lead the country.

She had the support of the Labour members of the Senedd while Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives voted for their respective party leaders.

Jane Dodds, the sole Liberal Democrat, abstained from endorsing a candidate, despite having supported Mr Gething earlier this year.

The opposition parties putting forward alternative choices was largely symbolic, with neither having enough votes to secure the role.

Montgomeryshire MS Russell George said: "I congratulate Eluned Morgan on her election as First Minister of Wales.

"Eluned Morgan will need to focus on getting NHS waiting times down, which are currently the longest in the UK, but having been the cabinet secretary who has presided over the NHS, I worry about this priority.

"The new First Minister will need to also Improve education standards, improve the economy and take-home pay in Wales.  Trust also needs to be re-built with farmers and rural communities.     

"But above all, my hopes for the new First Minister are that she will have a different attitude and a different approach to past Welsh Governments and First Ministers. We need an end to the ‘Do as I say’ and, ‘I know best’ attitude.  Our new First Minister needs to listen to the views of people from across Wales and understand the different needs of rural and mid Wales.”

Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans added: “Being a regional member of the Senedd for Mid and West Wales, and a Welsh Government Minister for almost seven years, Ms Morgan should be aware of the challenges being faced by our communities – the very people she represents.

“I hope that going forward this will remain at the forefront of her mind when it comes to significant decisions being made around issues such as health, education, and transport."

Baroness Morgan is the first woman to lead the Welsh government in its 25-year history, something she has said she is extremely proud of.

She is also the third leader of Welsh Labour this year, after a difficult few months since Mr Gething took over from Mark Drakeford in March.

Mr Gething announced his intention to resign last month after four members of his government quit, criticising his leadership.

During the last leadership race, Mr Gething took a £200,000 donation for his campaign from a company owned by a man twice convicted of environmental offences, which led to some members of his own party criticising his judgment.

In June, Mr Gething lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd, after rows over the donation, and his decision to sack Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn as a minister.

Baroness Morgan ran on a “unity ticket”, promising to bring the Labour group back together.