By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Congratulations to Vaughan Gething on becoming Welsh Labour’s Leader and First Minister of Wales.

Although constituents will be aware I was backing Jeremy Miles MS, Vaughan’s election is historic and I wish him every success.

It was a hard fought campaign and a close result but it is vital Welsh Labour members come together and unite behind the new First Minister.

There are many challenges ahead, including a General Election on the horizon. The UK economy is struggling and the cost-of-living crisis is hitting people hard but Welsh Labour representatives will continue to fight and stand up for the people of Wales.

Wrexham is a place where businesses can flourish and this was particularly evident during my recent visit to Air Covers.

Based on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, Air Covers is a world-leading manufacturer of protective covers for aircraft.

The company, which was founded by John and Sasha Pattinson in 2006, has now created and engineered more than 3,000 designs and supplies customers in more than 50 countries around the world.

In recognition of the company’s year-on-year growth, the business was awarded the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2022, the highest independent business accolade in the UK.

I have closely followed Air Covers’ progress since they moved to Wrexham several years ago and I am proud a local, innovative business is manufacturing state-of-the-art products that are recognised and sought after all over the world.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will start offering COVID-19 Spring booster vaccinations to eligible people in Wrexham and across North Wales from April 2.

A booster dose will be offered to those aged 75 years and over; residents in a care home for older adults, and individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

The local health board expects the first appointments at the community vaccination centres to start taking place from mid-April and run throughout May and June.

Vaccination remains our key defence for COVID-19 so if you are eligible for the booster, please take up your offer.

As always, if you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743. You can also keep up to date by following me on ‘X’ (Twitter) and Facebook, just search @lesley4wrexham