Vaughan Gething to stand down from Senedd after lasting 140 days as First Minister

The Labour former first minister lasted less than 140 days as first minister, having presided over a turbulent period in office beset by scandal.

Vaughan Gething

Vaughan Gething (Isabel Infantes/PA) (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Vaughan Gething, the Labour former first minister of Wales who stood down following a series of scandals, has announced he will not seek re-election for the Senedd.

Mr Gething, the MS for Cardiff South and Penarth, said it had been "an immense honour" to serve his constituents and in the Welsh Government as he made the announcement.

On X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: "I have spoken to the First Minister to confirm that I will not be seeking a role in government and that I will support her leadership as a backbencher."

After paying tribute to his successor Eluned Morgan, Mr Gething added: "I will continue to serve the constituency until 2026 and look forward to working on issues where I can further the causes of social justice that drew me into public service."

Mr Gething lasted less than 140 days as first minister, having presided over a turbulent period in office, beset by rows over donations and sacked ministers.

Baroness Morgan was health secretary from 2021 until she succeeded Mr Gething himself a former health secretary as leader of Welsh Labour on July 24.

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?