Following the resignation of the previous incumbent Vaughan Gething in July, Baroness Eluned Morgan has now been formally appointed as Wales’ first female first minister, with property trade bodies swiftly advising her to reject rent controls.

The new first minister was confirmed in her role earlier yesterday at a specially convened session of the Senedd, where her appointment was ratified by a majority of the body’s members.

In light of the latest developments, the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has published its response to the news, welcoming Baroness Morgan’s arrival to the role.

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, said: “We welcome the appointment of Eluned Morgan MS as first minister and look forward to working closely with her and other members of her cabinet on the key issues impacting the Welsh private rented sector.

“Wales’ PRS has undergone significant upheaval since the introduction of the Renting Homes Wales Act. As a result, we need to create the conditions for further investment in rental properties across the market. 

“The forthcoming White Paper on Fair Rents and Adequate Housing provides the ideal opportunity for the Welsh Government to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the provision of long-term private rented homes by firmly rejecting rent controls. 

“This would send a strong message to the sector that the Welsh Government recognises the vital contribution private landlords make in providing much-needed homes, and help to create a PRS that works for both responsible landlords and tenants.” 

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, the professional body for estate and letting agents, echoed the NRLA’s views, saying: “Propertymark congratulates Eluned Morgan on becoming the new first minister of Wales, at a key moment where a deliverable ambition and timeline is essential for navigating the many issues being faced across Wales regarding housing.

“Propertymark has welcomed strong engagement with Welsh Government ministers, and this must continue with the new first minister. The housing sector in Wales faces many challenges following the establishment of the Renting Homes Wales Act, which has formed a new legal framework for housing legislation in Wales. 

“The first minister must build on this work and deliver on increasing the supply in all housing tenures through taxation reform, using the delivery of the White Paper on fair rents and adequate housing to reject rent controls and enhance property standards through improved engagement with landlords and property agents.”