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Vaughan Gething Resigns as First Minister of Wales

Jul 16, 2024

1 min read

Vaughan Gething has announced that he will "begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister" after four members of his government resigned on Tuesday, calling for his resignation.


Vaughan Gething resigns
First Minister Vaughan Gething at Pride Cymru 2024 - Credit Matthew Horwood

The First Minister has faced sustained criticism in recent months, particularly for his decision to sack former minister Hannah Blythyn. Additionally, controversies over donations he received while running for Welsh Labour leader have further tarnished his leadership.


These issues culminated in the collapse of a co-operation agreement between Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru, significantly weakening his position. Gething subsequently lost a non-binding vote of no confidence in the Senedd, but initially vowed to continue in his role.


However, his position became untenable when four of his cabinet colleagues resigned in a coordinated manner on Tuesday morning.


This sequence of events raises serious concerns about Gething's leadership and decision-making abilities. His tenure has been marked by controversy and internal discord, ultimately undermining the stability of the Welsh Labour Party. Gething’s resignation not only reflects his failure to maintain party unity but also highlights the dangers of prioritising identity politics over effective governance. The emphasis on his historic appointment as the first black First Minister in the UK overshadowed the critical need for competent leadership, leading to a series of poor decisions and an eventual collapse in support.


Jul 16, 2024

1 min read

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