FIRST MINISTER Vaughan Gething has announced his resignation.
Gething did not offer any apologies for the events of the past few months or for his campaign donations.
He expressed that he had hoped for “rebuilding and renewal” under his leadership over the summer.
“I recognise now that this is not possible,” he stated.
He described this period as the most challenging 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,” he declared.
“In 11 years as a minister, I have never made a decision for personal gain. I have never misused or abused my ministerial responsibilities.
“My integrity matters. I have not compromised it.
“I regret that the burden of proof is no longer an important commodity in the language of our politics. I do hope that can change.
“To those in Wales who look like me – many of whom I know feel personally bruised and worried by this moment, I know that our country can be better. I know that cannot happen without us.”
He added that he would discuss a timetable for the election of a new leader.
Responding to the resignation Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said:
“The people of Wales have lost faith in the First Minister, belatedly he has done that right thing and resigned.
“But the people of Wales are losing confidence in Labour’s ability to govern Wales.
“This could be the third Labour First Minister in seven months – a revolving door of chaos.
“Labour has put party interests ahead of the interests of the nation for too long.
“The people of Wales must be given the opportunity to elect a new government and an election must be called.
“Plaid Cymru stands ready to serve with a platform which puts fairness and ambition at its heart.
“Voters the length and breadth of Wales deserve a government which is unrelenting in addressing the issues that matter most to them – from record high NHS waiting lists and the scourge of child poverty, to below average educational outcomes and building an economy that works for all.
“After 25 years at the helm, Labour is unable to rebuild and refresh from within.
Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said: “This is the right decision but one that was long overdue. Welsh Labour have left us in a sorry situation of their own making.
“The Welsh Liberal Democrats want to see steps taken to ensure these sorts of scandals don’t keep happening, including a cap on political donations.
“Whoever now becomes Welsh Labour Leader, the Welsh Liberal Democrats will ensure they are held to account and focus on the issues where the Welsh public are being let down, whether that’s child poverty, ambulance waiting times or the situation at Port Talbot Steel Works.”
THE FULL STATEMENT
Here is Vaughan Gething’s statement in full: “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.
“To see the election of a new government in Westminster, and the fresh hope that brings to Wales. I have always pursued my political career to serve Wales.
“And being able to show underrepresented communities that there is a place for them, for us, is an honour and privilege that will never diminish.
“It’s what drew me into public service. Before becoming an MS I fought employment cases for people who’d been mistreated at work.
“I wanted to give power those without a voice.
“That has always been my motivation. I also campaigned to help create the Senedd, clocking up 30 years of work to support Wales’ devolution journey.
“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.
“I regret that the burden of proof is no longer an important commodity in the language of our politics. I do hope that can change.
“I will now discuss a timetable for the election of new leader of my party. Finally, I want to say thank you to those who have reached out to support me, my team and my family in recent weeks. It has meant the world to all of us.
“To those in Wales who look like me – many of whom I know feel personally bruised and worried by this moment, I know that our country can be better. I know that cannot happen without us.
“There will – and there must be – a government that looks like the country it serves.
“Thank you.”
