He lasted just four months in the role

Vaughan Gething has resigned as First Minister of Wales. His resignation comes just four months after he took over the job from Mark Drakeford.

In his resignation statement, Gething said: “I have this morning taken the difficult decision to begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister.

“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 dedication to public service from our civil service, and the dedication to civility from the Welsh public.”

He went on to say: “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. My integrity matters. I have not compromised it.”

Gething’s resignation comes after long-running controversy surrounding his leadership campaign receiving a donation from a business leader who had previously been convicted of environmental offences.

In June, Gething lost a non-binding no-confidence vote in the Welsh Parliament.

Ultimately, Gething’s resignation was triggered by four Welsh Government ministers, with those quitting citing both the no-confidence vote and the campaign donations as their reasons for doing so.

Welsh Labour is expected to now hold a election to put in place a new leader and First Minister to replace Gething.

Chris Jarvis is head of strategy and development at Left Foot Forward

Image credit: Senedd Cymru – Creative Commons

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