Vaughan Gething resigns as First Minister

Vaughan Gething has announced he will "begin the process" of stepping down as leader of Welsh Labour and as First Minister.

It comes after four members of his Government quit in protest at his leadership.

In a statement, Gething said: "Having been elected as leader of my party in March, I had hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership. I recognise now that this is not possible.

"It has been the honour of my life to do this job even for a few short months. To see the election of a new government in Westminster, and the fresh hope that brings to Wales.

"I have always pursued my political career to serve Wales, and being able to show underrepresented communities that there is a place for them, for us, is an honour and privilege that will never diminish.

"It’s what drew me into public service. Before becoming an MS I fought employment cases for people who’d been mistreated at work."

Vaughan Gething added that allegations of wrongdoing on his part were "pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue."

"This has been the most difficult time, for me, and my family. A growing assertion that some kind of wrongdoing has taken place has been pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue."

"In 11 years as a minister, I have never ever made a decision for personal gain. I have never ever misused or abused my ministerial responsibilities."

The resigning ministers – including his former leadership rival Jeremy Miles – said Mr Gething had to go to restore confidence in the Welsh Government after a series of scandals.

Mr Gething lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd following rows over his decision to sack former minister Hannah Blythyn and a furore about donations he took while running to be Welsh Labour leader, while Labour’s co-operation deal in the Senedd with Plaid Cymru has collapsed.

Mr Miles, Mick Antoniw, Julie James and Lesley Griffiths posted their resignation letters online in an open show of opposition to Mr Gething’s continued leadership.

Mr Miles, who quit as economy secretary, told Mr Gething: "The events of the last few months including your loss of the confidence vote in the Senedd, have been incredibly painful.

"It’s essential that we begin to repair the damage immediately, and I have reached the conclusion very regrettably that this cannot happen under your leadership."

Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said Labour figures "all the way up to Keir Starmer" were "culpable for the breakdown of governance in Wales."

Responding to Vaughan Gething’s resignation, he 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 of governance in Wales.

"Wales will remember."

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