Correction: The original version of this story stated that former first minister Mark Drakeford was absent from the Senedd and did not vote. In fact, he attended remotely and voted against the no confidence motion, in support of current First Minister Vaughan Gething. The Morning Star apologises for the misunderstanding.
SENEDD members passed a vote of no confidence in First Minister Vaughan Gething today by 29 votes to 28 after two Labour members failed to vote, two due to ill health.
Senedd leader Elin Jones said that though the vote was not binding, the First Minister should reflect on it.
The opposition parties had not allowed the two absentees to be paired as they claimed they were under no obligation for something as serious as a no-confidence vote.
Mr Gething criticised the Welsh Conservatives for not allowing pairing for the absent Labour members, despite his party allowing the arrangement for the Tory leader when he was absent for a few months.
The vote is non-binding on Mr Gething, but will make it harder for Sir Keir Starmer to continue supporting him.
Opposition party speakers made it clear that they were questioning Mr Gething’s integrity and transparency after a series of revelations following his acceptance of two donations totalling £200,000 for his leadership bid, and sacking his social partnership minister Hannah Blythyn for allegedly leaking ministerial messages, something she strenuously denies.
Welsh Tory leader Andrew Davies referenced the ministerial code and said: “Ministers should not accept any gift or hospitality which might, or might reasonably appear to, compromise their judgement or place them under an improper obligation.”
Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth spoke about the Nolan principles of public life and said: “Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work.”
Welsh Labour backbencher Joyce Watson drew applause from the public gallery saying it was indefensible that the Tories had chosen a day when Mr Gething should have been representing Wales at the D-Day commemorations.
Plaid member Adam Price said the former first minister Rhodri Morgan — whose term was considered a great success — has been remembered, but not his predecessor Alun Michael, who faced a no-confidence vote and resigned immediately.
Responding to the debate, Mr Gething said: “I regret the motion because it is designed to question my integrity.
“I have never made a decision in more than a decade as a minister for personal or financial gain, never.”
