Chris Roberts used to work for Eluned Morgan MEP

Chris Roberts, who grew up in Wrexham, said it was "an honour to take on this challenging role".

Mr Roberts has previously been the party's organiser in north Wales, as well as working for Eluned Morgan MEP and Richard Edwards AM.

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain said Mr Roberts would be "a dynamic leader".

"Chris has a clear strategy to put our traditional Welsh Labour values into a progressive setting to build a world class Wales," he said.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan said he was confident Mr Roberts would "help to galvanise Labour in Wales to meet the tough electoral challenges that lie ahead".

Mr Roberts said his main aim was to bring more people into the party, particularly young people.