“Vaughan Gething to Step Down from Senedd in Upcoming Election”

Vaughan Gething, the Labour former First Minister of Wales, has announced he will not seek re-election to the Senedd. Gething, the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Cardiff South and Penarth, described his time serving his constituents and in the Welsh Government as “an immense honour.”
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Gething said he had informed the First Minister of his decision to step down from government roles but would continue to support her leadership from the backbenches. He praised his successor, Eluned Morgan, and expressed his intention to remain active in his constituency until 2026, focusing on advancing social justice causes.
Gething, who was born in Zambia, reflected on his decade-long service in the Welsh Government with pride, highlighting the privilege of working with dedicated individuals and movements.
His tenure as First Minister was short-lived, lasting less than 140 days, and marked by controversy, including issues over donations and ministerial dismissals. After assuming office in March, Gething resigned in July following criticism and resignations from four of his government members. His leadership was further scrutinized due to a £200,000 donation from a company with a problematic environmental record and his decision to sack Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn.
Baroness Morgan, who succeeded Gething as Welsh Labour leader and became the first female First Minister of Wales, had previously served as health secretary under Gething. In a tribute, Labour MP Nick Thomas-Symonds praised Gething for his “extraordinary service to Wales” and his commitment during the pandemic.