Vaughan Gething ‘proud of record’ despite being forced from office

Vaughan Gething insisted he was “proud” of his actions as First Minister after announcing he will quit just four months into the role following scandals and bitter Labour infighting.

Appearing in the Senedd after bowing to pressure and announcing he will resign, Mr Gething said he had done nothing wrong.

Mr Gething lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd in June following rows over his decision to sack Hannah Blythyn as a minister and a furore about donations he took while running to be Welsh Labour leader.

The co-operation deal with Plaid Cymru which Labour relied on for a majority collapsed over the rows.

Mr Gething was only elected to the role in March and in a statement said he had “hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership” but “I recognise that this is not possible”.

In a defiant message, he denied any wrongdoing: “My integrity matters. I have not compromised it.

“I regret that the burden of proof is no longer an important commodity in the language of our politics.”

He echoed that message in the Senedd chamber at First Minister’s Questions, saying: “I’m proud of my record in all the things I have done before coming here and since coming here in 11 years as being a minister.

“I’m sad that today sees the start of that process coming to an end, but I remain full of optimism of what this place can do and what Welsh Labour leadership can provide to my country and all the people who are proud to call Wales their home.”

Mr Gething, who became the first black leader of a European nation when he replaced Mark Drakeford as First Minister, said it had been an “honour and privilege” to “show under-represented communities that there is a place for them, for us”.

Prime Minister and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Gething had made the “difficult decision” because “he feels it is the best decision now for Wales”.

On Tuesday morning, four ministers – including Mr Gething’s former leadership rival Jeremy Miles – resigned and called for him to quit.

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

Mr Gething has been under pressure over a £200,000 donation to his campaign from Dauson Environmental Group, which is owned by David Neal, who has twice been convicted of environmental offences.

It also raised questions about a possible conflict of interest as the money came from a company which was loaned £400,000 by the Welsh government-owned Development Bank of Wales at a time when Mr Gething had been economy minister, although he was not involved in decisions relating to the firm based in his constituency.

“This has been the most difficult time, for me, and my family,” Mr Gething said.

“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.”

His sacking of social partnership minister Hannah Blythyn added to the controversies around Mr Gething’s leadership.

She was fired over the alleged leak of messages relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The news website Nation.Cymru has denied that she was the source of the leaked messages, which showed Mr Gething claiming he would delete all correspondence from an iMessage group of Welsh ministers.

Mr Gething said he has “never tried to claim” she was the direct source for a Nation.Cymru story on the contents of the ministerial iMessage chat.

Shortly before his resignation, Mr Gething published further evidence including a screenshot which he said showed it was the messages on Ms Blythyn’s phone which were leaked.

But Mr Gething’s position was untenable after Tuesday’s ministerial resignations.

Mr Miles, who quit as economy secretary, told Mr Gething: “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.”

Hefin David, one of the First Minister’s staunchest supporters on the Labour benches in the Senedd, said Mr Gething has “acted with incredible dignity” but now was the time for him to go “so that we can focus on policy”.

He said: “I think he’s done what he thinks is in the best interest of Wales, that’s his choice. Naturally, as a supporter of Vaughan, I’m disappointed.

“What we have to do is unite and deliver for the people of Wales along the lines of the cost of living, the NHS, education, but really importantly Tata Steel.”

Plaid Cymru’s leader Rhun ap Iorwerth demanded 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.”

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Davies objected to Plaid’s calls for a snap election.

He argued that Welsh government rules would mean that another election would have to be called in 2026 and voters would not welcome two so close together.

“I think that’s being very hot-headed in the current climate,” he said.

“Because actually, what would happen would be that we could have an election now and then we’d still have to have a full Senedd election in 2026.

“I don’t think people want a full-blown general election here in Wales.

“What people want is clear leadership, direction of travel, and improvements in their everyday lives.”