Vaughan Gething's Leadership Crisis: Welsh First Minister to Step Down Amid Resignations

Vaughan Gething announced he would step down as Wales' first minister following the resignation of four key ministers from his administration. Despite hopes for a period of rebuilding under his leadership, ongoing controversies, including issues related to political donations and his handling of COVID-19 disclosures, precipitated his decision.

Vaughan Gething announced on Tuesday that he would resign as the first minister of Wales, following the departure of four ministers from the devolved Welsh government in protest over his leadership.

"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," Gething said in a statement. "I recognise now that this is not possible."

The resigning ministers include Counsel General Mick Antoniw, Housing Minister Julie James, Economy and Energy Secretary Jeremy Miles, and Culture Minister Lesley Griffiths. Gething faced criticism over political donation sources, the transparency of his COVID-19 inquiry disclosures from his tenure as health minister, and the dismissal of a minister accused of media leaks.

(With inputs from agencies.)