Labour dealt embarrassing blow as Wales First Minister loses vote of no confidence

Vaughan Gething

Labour dealt embarrassing blow as Wales First Minister loses vote of no confidence

PA
Oliver Trapnell

By Oliver Trapnell


Published: 05/06/2024

- 17:54

The vote follows the collapse of the co-operation deal between Labour and Plaid Cymru

Wales’s First Minister Vaughan Gething has lost a vote of no confidence tabled by the Welsh Conservatives.

The vote which was passed on Wednesday afternoon, is non-binding and will not force Gething to stand aside from his role as First Minister.


Gething, who has only been the Welsh Labour leader since March, faced the no-confidence vote after being plagued by scandal during his short time in office.

Concerns were raised after Gething accepted a donation from a man convicted of environmental offences during his run to be Welsh Labour leader.

Vaughan GethingLabour dealt embarrassing blow as Wales First Minister loses vote of no confidence PA
Gething seemingly broke into tears

Gething seemingly broke into tears

PA

Gething has vehemently insisted that all rules were followed when he took the donation.

The vote also follows Gething’s refusal to show any evidence to explain why he sacked Senedd member Hannah Blythyn from his Government after he accused her of leaking messages to the media.

Responding to Vaughan Gething losing a confidence vote tabled by the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “Vaughan Gething has lost the confidence of the people of Wales.

“He has lost the confidence of the Senedd.

“The only person who is still batting for Vaughan Gething is Keir Starmer.”

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Gething appears to wipe away a tear during the vote

Gething appears to wipe away a tear during the vote

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MSs voted 29 in favour, 27 against the motion of no confidence in Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething, a majority of two.

Following the result, Llywydd Elin Jones said: “It is now for the First Minister to reflect on the view that the Senedd has just expressed and the motion that has been agreed.

“Confidence motions are political yes, but they are also intensely personal and while a vote of this nature will have consequences whatever they may be, I ask us all to treat each other with respect and kindness now.

“The people of Wales expect that of their Senedd.”

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