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Morgan warns Labour about apathy Morgan's 'Tory nightmare' warning
(about 5 hours later)
First Minister Rhodri Morgan is to tell Welsh Labour to be proud of its record, but will warn it has a lot left to do. First Minister Rhodri Morgan has warned that voter apathy could see a Tory-led "nightmare alliance" running Wales.
He will emphasise in what is being called an "upbeat speech" that the Welsh party has developed a different approach to Tony Blair's government. Mr Morgan said there was a danger in a "naturally anti-Tory country like Wales" of assuming that Conservatives could never be in government.
But he will also tell the Welsh party conference in Llandudno that apathy could jeopardise Labour chances in the assembly elections in May. He told Welsh Labour's conference that Plaid Cymru and Liberal Democrats could join a "Tory-led triple alliance" after May's assembly elections.
He will say voting for other parties would bring a "cobbled-together mess". Mr Morgan said Tories would "trundle Wales backward at a rate of knots".
Mr Morgan, who wants the elections to be about Welsh issues and Labour achievements in Wales, has warned that "noises off" in Westminster - including the "cash for honours" row - could damage the party's chances.Mr Morgan, who wants the elections to be about Welsh issues and Labour achievements in Wales, has warned that "noises off" in Westminster - including the "cash for honours" row - could damage the party's chances.
More grunt up front Rhodri Morgan echoes Welsh rugby coach Gareth JenkinsMore grunt up front Rhodri Morgan echoes Welsh rugby coach Gareth Jenkins
In his closing address to the conference, he is likely to emphasise the "clear red water" between Wales and Westminster. Labour is a minority government in the assembly, and holds 29 of the 60 seats.
He will talk of a partnership between the UK and Welsh parties which has matured since the beginning of devolution in 1999. In his closing address to the conference in Llandudno, Mr Morgan urged delegates to ensure Labour supporters voted on 3 May, rather than assuming that Labour would win.
He will argue that that partnership means that Labour in Wales can take a different approach to policies. The first minister said: "Unfortunately, democracy doesn't work by hand-wringing on Friday: it works by voting on Thursday."
On the eve of the conference, the first minister outlined some of the party's policy pledges ahead of the election campaign, including a promise to continue with free prescriptions and improve childcare in deprived areas. He concentrated his fire on the Conservatives. After 10 years out of power, he said they were "as hungry as a starving tigress on the prowl".
Mr Morgan is likely to place further emphasis on what Labour can deliver for children, families and older people.
Rhodri Morgan and his Cabinet will emphasise distinctive Welsh policiesRhodri Morgan and his Cabinet will emphasise distinctive Welsh policies
He will speak the day after Prime Minister Tony Blair - making his final speech to the Welsh conference before stepping down this year - told delegates that a vote for any other party would lead to a "rag-bag Tory-led coalition". He told the conference: "Voters have to keep the Tories where they belong - out of office and out of power."
Mr Morgan will continue the attack on the Tories and warn against letting them get into power "through the back door". Mr Morgan warned his party that the opposition parties made "strange bedfellows," but they were willing to enter a triple alliance - or, as he joked, "a tripe alliance".
He will say that the opposition parties' policies are uncosted and impractical. He said that that "nightmare alliance could be running Wales after 3 May" and urged his party's supporters: "If you are Labour, vote Labour".
But he will also argue that Labour faces another enemy. Apathy could pose a threat to Labour success, according to the party's Welsh leader. He spoke the day after Prime Minister Tony Blair - making his final speech to the Welsh conference before stepping down this year - told delegates that a vote for any other party could lead to a "rag-bag Tory-led coalition".
The conference will end in time for delegates to watch Wales' Six Nations match against France. Mr Morgan continue the attack by warning against letting the Tories get into power "through the back door".
Mr Morgan, a rugby fanatic, will quote Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins, who has called for "more grunt up front". He will urge Labour activists to follow suit. The conference ended in time for delegates to watch Wales' Six Nations match against France.
Mr Morgan, a rugby fanatic, quoted Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins, who has called for "more grunt up front". He urged Labour activists to follow suit.