Opposition parties react to Vaughan Gething's resignation
The FM and Welsh Labour Leader is to stand down.
Last updated 16th Jul 2024
Opposition parties are reacting to the news that First Minister Vaughan Gething has announced he's to stand down as First Minister.
Plaid Cymru's leader Rhun ap Iorwerth is demanding a snap election rather than allow Labour to choose another first minister to go through the "revolving door of chaos".
He said: "Labour has put party interests ahead of the interests of the nation for too long.
"The people of Wales must be given the opportunity to elect a new government and an election must be called."
Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: "Vaughan Gething's resignation is long overdue.
"But there can be no doubt that his Labour colleagues, from those who resigned today all the way up to Keir Starmer, have stood by his side, and are culpable for the breakdown in governance in Wales.
"Wales will remember."
Welsh Lib Dem leader Jane Dodds MS said: "This is the right decision but one that was long overdue. Welsh Labour have left us in a sorry situation of their own making.
"The Welsh Liberal Democrats want to see steps taken to ensure these sorts of scandals don't keep happening, including a cap on political donations.
"Whoever now becomes Welsh Labour Leader, the Welsh Liberal Democrats will ensure they are held to account and focus on the issues where the Welsh public are being let down, whether that's child poverty, ambulance waiting times or the situation at Port Talbot Steel Works."
Wales Green Party Leader, Anthony Slaughter said, "After over three months of chaos at the heart of Welsh Government the news that Vaughan Gething has finally resigned following the resignation of four ministers this morning is to be welcomed, but questions must be asked as to why this situation was tolerated for so long, damaging and undermining devolution and our democracy.
"At a time when Wales faces multiple crises, not least the ongoing situation at Port Talbot, there has been an absence of any real and meaningful direction from a government too busy squabbling amongst itself.
"The First Minister has been mired in scandal and controversy since day one of his appointment and his continuous arrogant dismissal of any questions reflects the complacency at the heart of a Welsh Labour Government that does not welcome scrutiny.
"This highlights the need for new voices in the Senedd, which is why we are determined to get elected Green representation at the Senedd in 2026, Green MS's who will hold the government to account, demanding transparency and proper scrutiny.
"It's time for the chaos in Cardiff Bay to stop. Wales deserves better."