Welsh First Minister Fails to Win Vote of Confidence

The First Minister of Wales Vaughan Gething faced a vote of no confidence brought forward by the Welsh Conservatives.

This vote occurred on Wednesday after a cooperation agreement between Labour and Plaid Cymru fell through.

Twenty-nine Welsh MPs supported the resolution, while 27 were against it.

Despite this, Mr. Gething, who took over as Welsh first minister from Mark Drakeford in March after a Welsh Labour leadership contest, stated that he will not resign. The vote is advisory and does not mandate him to step down.

Controversies

Mr. Gething has been under scrutiny for a £200,000 donation to his Welsh Labour leadership campaign from the Dauson Environmental Group, owned by David Neal, a two-time convicted environmental offender.

This donation reportedly stands as the largest individual contribution in Welsh Government history.

Furthermore, there have been allegations, including the potential deletion of text messages during the COVID-19 pandemic when Mr. Gething was leading Wales’s health response until 2021.

A message leaked from Mr. Gething dated August 17, 2020, indicated, “I’m deleting the messages in this group.”

“They can be captured in an FOI [Freedom of Information request] and I think we are in the right place on the choice being made.”

Mr. Gething defended the message, stating that it did not contradict his previous statements and referred to non-pandemic related exchanges among colleagues.

Subsequently, he dismissed his social partnership minister, Hannah Blythyn, following the release of a disputed phone message to the Nation.Cymru news outlet, which she denies composing.

Personal Struggles

Before the vote, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticized the Conservatives and Plaid Cymru for playing games.

Regarding a potential resignation if he lost the vote, the Labour leader commented, “I believe it’s crucial to recognize this scenario for what it is, a political maneuver by the Conservatives, with Plaid going along as well.

“Vaughan Gething’s focus is on serving the people of Wales, and I believe that’s what the people of Wales want from him, and that’s where his priorities lie, as well as mine.”

Following the outcome, Plaid Cymru Llywydd Elin Jones mentioned, “It is now up to the first minister to contemplate the view expressed by the Senedd and the resolution passed.

“Confidence votes are politically charged, while also being deeply personal, and regardless of the consequences that may arise from such a vote, I urge everyone to exhibit respect and compassion towards each other now.

“The citizens of Wales expect this behavior from their Senedd.”

‘Misleading and Attacking’

During the debate preceding the vote, Mr. Gething, the first black leader of Wales, expressed regret over what he described as a motion designed to cast doubt on his honesty. He intimated that many people of color have been unfairly criticized.

“Similar to numerous individuals in this chamber, I have devoted my adult life to public service and to Wales,” he stated.

“Even in the midst of an election campaign, it is deeply hurtful when my intentions are called into question.”

He emphasized his willingness to accept scrutiny and opposition.

The first minister conveyed that he, alongside “numerous individuals of color, have been disparaged and attacked simply for raising concerns about how certain discussions have been managed.”

“I will continue to prioritize Wales, both in thoughts, actions, and aspirations, as I serve and lead my nation,” he concluded.

‘Act Accordingly’

Andrew RT Davies MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, remarked, “According to Welsh Labour’s chair, the Senedd lacks confidence in Vaughan Gething.

“The Welsh populace lacks confidence in Vaughan Gething.

“Keir Starmer is the only person still supporting Vaughan Gething.”

Welsh Conservative MS Paul Davies called for Mr. Gething to step down and “do the proper thing.”

PA Media contributed to this report.