Incoming Welsh First Minister REFUSES to hand back £200k from convicted criminal

But just 24 hours after his win, Gething is going into the new job with questions hanging over him – not just from opposition parties, but also from within the Welsh Labour Party. One source said they have never seen Labour so divided in Wales.

Atlantic Recycling – which is connected to Dauson Environmental Group and controlled by David Neal donated £200,000 to Gething’s leadership campaign.

David Neal was given a suspended prison sentence in 2013 for illegally dumping waste and prosecuted again in 2017 for not removing it. Vaughan Gething who is the Senedd Member for Cardiff South and Penarth wrote to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in 2016 to ease restrictions on Atlantic Recycling.

The Leader of Plaid Cymru Rhun ap Iorwerth questioned Gething’s judgement.

"It is a matter of deep concern that we now have an incoming First Minister who before even taking up the highest public office is facing serious allegations and questions about his judgement.

"At the very least, Vaughan Gething should surely return the £200,000 campaign donation which has rightly drawn so much criticism from within his own party and beyond, or better yet donate it to environmental charity."

Speaking to BBC Wales, the MS for Cardiff South and Penarth defended his actions and rejected it as lobbying.

“I wrote to NRW as a constituency member, it is not lobbying - lobbying is a loaded word, as we know...as a constituency member it is literally your job to represent your constituents, individuals and businesses."

Gething acknowledged “this is a point of learning and reflection” and conceded that people may wonder if there would be change in what he was prepared to do and say as First Minister.

He says his manifesto clearly laid out he wants tougher sanctions on those who do not meet environmental obligations and there was no change in what he was prepared to say and do.

The Prime Minister has also come under pressure this week over comments made by a top Tory donor. Last year Frank Hester donated more than 10 million pounds to the Tory party, but this week it was revealed that in 2019 he said that looking at Dianne Abbott made him "want to hate all Black women", and that she "should be shot".

Hester issued an apology but said the comments had nothing to do with her gender or skin colour

Gething rejected calls over the story similarities.

“When you have someone who is prepared to say...that seeing Diane Abbott makes him want to hate black women and they want her to be shot. I think most members of the public can see a world of difference between the two.”

Plaid Cymru is currently in a cooperation agreement with the Welsh Government which is due to end December this year. It has been in place since May 2021. It was drawn up by then Mark Drakeford and then Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price.

The pair agreed to work together in 46 policy areas but Plaid Cymru remain in opposition.

There has not been any indication by Rhun ap Iorwerth that the donation row will impact the cooperation agreement between the two parties.

This should be a week of celebration for Gething, but it is already embroiled in questions over his judgement and will be a tough week for the incoming First Minister.

The outgoing First Minister, Mark Drakeford will take his last First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday 19th of March at the Senedd.

After finishing his last FMQs, Drakeford will tender his resignation to the King.
On Wednesday 20th March, the Senedd will begin to nominate Vaughan Gething to become First Minister. This will be announced by the Llywydd (Presiding Officer).

The Llywydd will send a letter to the His Majesty the King, recommending appointment.

Once the Llywydd has informed the Welsh Government of His Majesty’s approval, the new First Minister will take the statutory Official Oath.