Vaughan Gething has resigned as Wales’ First Minister after just a few months in office, following significant internal turmoil within the Welsh Labour Party.
His resignation was precipitated by the departure of four senior ministers who protested against his leadership. Despite initial resistance, Gething acknowledged that a period of rebuilding under his leadership was not feasible.
Gething’s brief tenure faced numerous challenges, including a lost vote of confidence and allegations of misconduct linked to campaign donations and management decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Labour leader Keir Starmer praised Gething’s historic role as the first Black leader of a European country, while Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth criticised Labour’s governance and called for a new election to address the leadership instability.
Gething expressed deep regret over his resignation, defending his integrity and dismissing claims of personal wrongdoing as politically motivated. He highlighted the need for political reform and the restoration of trust within Welsh Labour.
