He lasted just four months in the role
![Vaughan Gething](https://d2uuuneafwcujf.cloudfront.net/images/2024/07/53657322182_d28c1f9716_o-800x450.jpg)
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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