News

Vaughan Gething could lose no confidence vote due to sick colleagues

Published

2 years ago

June 5, 2024

First Minister Vaughan Gething is poised to face a critical vote of no confidence today, amid mounting controversy over his leadership and campaign funding. The Senedd vote, initiated by the Conservatives, comes after sustained criticism of Gething’s acceptance of donations from a company owned by an individual previously convicted of environmental offences. With significant internal party strife and key members absent, Gething is expected to lose the vote, which could significantly undermine his authority.

In a revealing interview with BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Vikki Howells, chair of the Labour group of Members of the Senedd (MSs), disclosed that two Labour MSs are currently unwell and unable to attend the vote. This development places Gething’s leadership in jeopardy, as Labour’s narrow majority in the Senedd requires full attendance for a definitive win. The absent MSs are Hannah Blythyn and Lee Waters, both significant figures in Welsh Labour’s internal dynamics. Blythyn, recently sacked by Gething, and Waters, a former transport minister who has previously called for the contentious donations to be returned, are pivotal in this unfolding drama.

Their absences, compounded by the lack of proxy voting or remote participation options, have thrown Labour’s plans into disarray. Labour holds exactly half of the 60 seats in the Welsh Parliament, meaning every vote is crucial for maintaining Gething’s position. Without Blythyn and Waters, Labour is left vulnerable, especially as the Conservatives, along with Plaid Cymru and Welsh Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds, have refused to agree to a pairing arrangement to offset the absences.

The Conservatives’ motion could succeed if even one Labour MS rebels, abstains, or does not participate in the vote. This potential outcome has turned the vote into a high-stakes affair, with significant implications for Gething’s leadership. Vikki Howells criticised the vote as a “gimmick” by the Conservatives, aiming to distract from their own performance over the past 14 years in government. She emphasised that such votes should be decided by the public in a general election, not by parliamentary manoeuvres.

Plaid Cymru has accused Gething of showing contempt towards the Senedd. Their leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, highlighted the internal conflict within Labour over this issue. “Are there Labour members who are wrestling with their conscience? Absolutely, we know there are,” he said, pointing to a fracturing within the party ranks.

Gething, who ascended to the position of First Minister just 77 days ago, has been under intense scrutiny following revelations that he received a £200,000 donation from Dauson Environmental Group during his leadership campaign. The company’s owner, David John Neal, has a history of environmental violations, further fuelling the controversy.

Throughout the leadership contest, Gething faced calls from within Labour to return any remaining funds from Dauson, a plea he has largely ignored. Additionally, Gething’s credibility has been questioned over his handling of a leaked message during the pandemic and the subsequent sacking of Blythyn, who has not spoken in the Senedd since.

The Conservative leader, Andrew RT Davies, laid out the rationale behind the no-confidence motion, citing concerns about Gething’s judgement, transparency, and honesty. “One there’s a question of judgement, two there’s a question around transparency and three there’s an issue around honesty,” he stated on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

While today’s vote is technically non-binding and does not necessitate Gething’s immediate resignation, the political ramifications are significant. A loss would underscore a weakening grip on his party and diminish his authority, casting a shadow over his nascent leadership. This vote underscores the turbulent nature of Welsh politics, where internal party strife and external criticisms can converge to threaten even the most newly established leadership.

The origins of this controversy trace back to Gething’s Welsh Labour leadership election victory in March. His campaign was notably dominated by the £200,000 donation from Dauson Environmental Group. Public reaction from Labour politicians was largely muted during the campaign itself, but Gething has failed to prevent private anger from rising to the surface. There were calls from within Labour for the party not to take any remaining money from Dauson, as it normally would with leftover funds from campaign contests.

Adding to Gething’s woes, he found himself defending a controversial message he sent during the pandemic. As then-health minister, Gething informed colleagues he was deleting texts from a ministerial group chat, an action that has drawn criticism and raised questions about transparency and accountability. His subsequent sacking of Hannah Blythyn, which he attributed to her being the source of a leak, has not been backed by evidence, leading to further discontent and demands for clarity.

In a political environment where every move is scrutinised, Gething’s ability to unify his party and command respect in the Senedd has been called into question. The no-confidence vote, while non-binding, is seen as a litmus test for his leadership. Should Gething fail to rally his party members, the implications could be profound, potentially triggering a leadership crisis within Welsh Labour.

As the Senedd convenes to cast their votes, the political stakes could not be higher. The outcome of this vote will not only determine Vaughan Gething’s immediate political future but also shape the broader narrative of Welsh politics in the months to come.

Local Government

New councillor appointed to Haverfordwest Town Council

Published

34 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

LUCY HINKSMAN has been officially appointed to Haverfordwest Town Council as the newest representative for Castle Ward.

Cllr Hinksman was welcomed to the council this evening by fellow members, including Cllr Josh Odlin, Deputy Mayor Cllr Adam Benson-Davies, and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner.

She brings experience from her work with People First and is known locally for her advocacy on inclusion, equality, and ensuring people’s voices are heard.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed the appointment, saying Lucy’s commitment to supporting people and strengthening the community would make her a strong asset to both Castle Ward and Haverfordwest.

He said he looked forward to working with her as the council continues its work for the town.

News

Reform MS sparks Senedd walkout after controversial remarks

Published

35 minutes ago

June 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Labour, Plaid Cymru and Green members leave chamber as political tensions boil over in first major clash of new Senedd term

A HEATED row erupted in the Senedd after a Reform UK Member of the Senedd made remarks that prompted politicians from Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party to walk out of the debating chamber in protest.

The dramatic scenes unfolded during a debate when Reform MS Joe Martin criticised the state of education in Wales, making comments about literacy standards that opponents said were insulting and disrespectful.

Video of the exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing strong reactions from supporters and critics alike.

During his speech, Martin referred to concerns about educational attainment in Wales and questioned the performance of the Welsh education system. However, opposition members accused him of crossing a line by mocking Welsh pupils and making remarks they considered offensive.

As tensions rose, members from Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party left the chamber in a coordinated walkout, signalling their disapproval of the comments.

The incident marks one of the most significant confrontations since the newly elected Senedd first convened following the May election.

Growing political divide

The walkout highlights the increasingly confrontational atmosphere that has developed between Reform UK and the other parties represented in the Welsh Parliament.

Reform entered the Senedd with a significantly larger presence following the election, fundamentally changing the political landscape and creating a more divided chamber than in previous terms.

Supporters of Reform argued that Martin was highlighting genuine concerns about educational standards and literacy rates in Wales, while opponents maintained that criticism of government policy should not come at the expense of pupils and communities.

The exchange quickly became a major talking point online, with clips attracting thousands of views and generating fierce debate about standards of political discourse in Wales.

Education remains key battleground

Education is expected to remain one of the most fiercely contested issues during the current Senedd term.

Recent years have seen repeated concerns raised about educational performance, attendance levels and attainment gaps, while Welsh Government ministers have defended ongoing reforms and investment in schools.

The latest clash demonstrates how debates over education are likely to become increasingly political as parties seek to define themselves ahead of future elections.

While walkouts are relatively uncommon in the Senedd, Wednesday’s protest underscored the strength of feeling among opposition members and provided an early indication of the battles that may lie ahead in the new parliamentary term.

The incident is likely to fuel further debate both inside and outside the Senedd over political standards, educational performance and the direction of Welsh public policy under the new political landscape.

Local Government

Pembrokeshire faces accessible housing shortage as 403 people wait for homes

Published

4 hours ago

June 18, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Council admits demand exceeds supply as housing issues contribute to hospital discharge delays

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has acknowledged that there is not enough suitable accessible housing in the county to meet demand, with more than 400 people currently waiting for accommodation that meets their needs.

The admission came in response to questions from The Pembrokeshire Herald about housing, health and accessibility in Pembrokeshire.

The council revealed that 403 people are currently registered on the Pembrokeshire Accessible Housing Register waiting for accessible social housing.

Of those, 81% are in the highest-priority gold band, while 62% require one-bedroom accessible accommodation.

The authority also disclosed that 111 cases are currently awaiting occupational therapy assessment through to approval of assessed works under Disabled Facilities Grants and discretionary disabled assistance grants.

The figures highlight growing pressure on housing services in a county with an ageing population and increasing demand for homes that can accommodate people with disabilities, mobility problems and long-term health conditions.

A council spokesperson said: “Within Pembrokeshire, we recognise that there are challenges around unsuitable housing, often linked with an ageing housing stock across all tenures of accommodation.

“We recognise that poor and inaccessible housing can be a contributing factor to ill health and increased demand on housing, health and social care services.”

Hospital discharge concerns

The council also confirmed that housing-related issues can affect hospital discharge planning.

Officials said there had been an increase in housing-related discharge delays in recent years, often because people leaving hospital require home adaptations or alternative accommodation that better suits their needs following changes in their health or mobility.

The spokesperson said: “There are concerns related to housing-related delays which impact hospital discharge planning locally.

“There has been an increase in housing related delays due to a range of factors, including the need for suitable accommodation following changes in an individual’s health or functioning, which subsequently can lead to a need for home adaptations, or alternative accessible accommodation sourced.”

The council stressed that housing-related factors still represent a relatively small proportion of overall discharge delays in Pembrokeshire.

Shortage recognised

Asked whether enough suitable housing exists locally for older residents and people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, the council accepted that current provision falls short of demand.

The spokesperson said: “Given the numbers we have on our Accessible Housing Register as well as the ageing population in the county, we acknowledge that there is insufficient suitable accessible housing to currently meet demand.”

The authority said the issue has already been identified within the Local Housing Market Assessment 2023 and the Pembrokeshire Housing Strategy 2024-2027.

Working to improve provision

The council said its Occupational Therapy Service works closely with housing providers across Pembrokeshire to assess needs and support the delivery of appropriate housing solutions, including adaptations to existing homes and the development of adapted properties.

For social housing tenants requiring adaptations, needs are assessed by occupational therapists, with work either carried out by landlords or, where necessary, alternative accommodation sought.

The authority also said that new social housing developments are designed to meet Lifetime Homes standards under Welsh Government housing requirements.

Housing and social care teams work together to help shape the type and design of new homes being developed in the county, using information from the Accessible Housing Register to identify future demand.

The comments come amid growing national concern over the impact of unsuitable housing on health, independence and demand for public services, particularly as Wales’ population continues to age.

This is a cleaner local government/housing story that stands on its own and avoids repeating the earlier Welsh Government/NHS-focused piece.