A 'springboard economy' will form the basis of a leadership campaign from Labour AM Eluned Morgan, who says she wants to reverse a 'decade of Conservative austerity damage'.

Speaking to the County Times in Welshpool last week, Baroness Morgan said high quality jobs and reinvestment in public services would be pivotal themes as she bids to take over from First Minister Carwen Jones when he steps down in December.

"My number one priority as First Minister would be to drive a radical new approach to the economy in Wales," she said.

"Welsh Labour can be proud of so many achievements over the past two decades in Wales but, we must put our hands up and admit that one area where we have failed to make the impact that we could and should have is the economy.

"It is hurtful that the horrendous hangover from Thatcher de-industrialisation is still with us, along with the pounding headache of 23 per cent of people in Wales living in poverty.

"We must act with alacrity to build a springboard to allow the landing of good quality jobs in every community and a leaping forward with real investment in our public services to counter the devastation of a decade of Conservative austerity damage. "

She also spoke of her fears over a 'no-deal' Brexit and says she strongly supports a "people's vote" which would allow for a second referendum on the terms of any Brexit deal.

According to Baroness Morgan, a so-called 'hard Brexit' would do 'incredible damage' to the country.

"The worst situation is the 'no deal' situation but of course the best deal is the one we have already. We know from research that there's going to be a 10% drop in Wales' economy if we leave without a deal.

"We have skilled jobs at companies like Airbus and Ford that rely on 'just-in-time' manufacturing which must be protected.

"The EU has benefited Wales and the cuts will fall if we leave without a deal. I believe that there is a need for a People’s Vote to determine what our future relationship with the EU should be- and this time arming people with the knowledge of the devastating damage of what Brexit actually means."

Other policies championed by the Labour leadership hopeful included incentives for self-employed, an 'upscale fund' for leading businesses in the country and inward investment incentives helping to form a blatantly business focussed manifesto, in contrast to the 'progressive' approach of rival Vaughan Gething who says he plans to revolutionise the Welsh Labour party, and finance secretary Mark Drakeford who is positioning himself as the most experienced candidate in the race.

Ballot papers for the leadership election are expected to be despatched on November 9, with a winner announced in early December.