First Minister of Wales Stands Firm Despite Setback and Criticism

Vaughan Gething, the First Minister of Wales, has vowed to continue in office despite losing a no-confidence vote in the Senedd on Wednesday. The motion, which passed with 29 votes against him and 27 in his favour, followed a series of issues within his leadership, including the collapse of the cooperation agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru, as well as internal disputes.

Gething rejected calls for his resignation, describing the vote as a “transparent gimmick,” especially as it was influenced by the absence of two key Labour members, Hannah Blythyn and Lee Waters, due to illness. He claimed that if they had been present, the motion would not have succeeded.

While the no-confidence vote is non-binding, the result has sparked calls for Gething to step down. Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth and Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies both urged him to resign, citing instability in the Welsh government.

During the debate, Mr. Gething defended his record, saying there was no evidence to support the accusations against him, particularly over the controversial donation he received and the dismissal of Blythyn, which had raised questions.

Emotional after the vote, Mr. Gething said that the claims against him were based on unfounded “innuendo” and that he had followed all the necessary procedures. He reaffirmed his commitment to his role, stating he would be travelling to Normandy to participate in a D-Day commemoration event, signalling his determination to remain in office.