Vaughan Gething could be called back to Covid Inquiry after release of leaked messages
This follows allegations that the First Minister knowingly deleted messages during the pandemic, something he denied at the inquiry
Last updated 7th May 2024
The First Minister of Wales may be recalled to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry after messages emerged appearing to contradict his claims he did not delete WhatsApp messages during the pandemic.
In a leaked screenshot, released by an unknown source, shows the First Minister allegedly announcing he was going to delete messages in the chat.
Gething, who was the health minister during the pandemic, told the inquiry in March that his lost messages were not deleted by him but by the Senedd's IT team during a security rebuild.
He told the hearing that the lost information was a "real embarrassment".
However, messages leaked to Nation.Cymru on Tuesday has cast doubt on Mr Gething's version of events.
In a messaged posted to a ministerial group chat on Monday August 17 2020, Mr Gething appears to have said: "I'm deleting the messages in this group.
"They can be captured in an FOI (Freedom of Information request) and I think we are in the right place on the choice being made."
A spokesman for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry confirmed it has been made aware of the message and is now considering whether Mr Gething will need to provide further information.
He said: "These reports have been brought to the attention of the inquiry this morning.
"The inquiry is considering the information available and whether it is necessary to seek further evidence from Mr Gething."
The Welsh government has been contacted for comment.
Both the Conservative and Plaid Cymru opposition leaders are calling for the First Minister to be recalled to the inquiry to give further evidence.
Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: "The cloak and dagger decision-making in the Labour Welsh Government is clear to see.
"Decisions made in these WhatsApp groups have led to lives lost and businesses shut, so with evidence suggesting that the First Minister deliberately deleted important exchanges, it's obvious why Labour has blocked an independent Wales-specific Covid inquiry.
"In light of this there is an even more compelling case for a Covid inquiry for Wales."
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said the revelation "strikes a devastating blow to those who lost loved ones" during the pandemic.
He said: "We all sought transparency but were told all was in the open for the UK inquiry to see. This undermines any belief that that is the case.
"It shows blatant disregard for honesty and transparency, further undermining trust in the Labour First Minister on the back of his donations scandal.
"The leaked message shows that the Welsh Labour Cabinet was complicit in allowing this deception. Baroness Hallett, as chair of the inquiry, should immediately recall Vaughan Gething to give clarity on what he said under oath.
"Vaughan Gething is running away from an independent investigation into a donation to his Labour leadership campaign but must not be allowed to dodge an investigation into this extremely serious matter."