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LIVE – Welsh Government ministers quit and call for First Minister to go

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FOUR senior ministers of the Welsh Government have dramatically tendered their resignations in a bold protest against the leadership of First Minister Vaughan Gething.

Among those stepping down are Jeremy Miles, a prominent contender for leadership, along with Julie James, Mick Antoniw, and Lesley Griffiths.

The resignations come amidst mounting discontent within the Welsh Government, culminating in a sharp call for change at the top. Jeremy Miles, who recently held the position of Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Welsh Language, expressed profound disappointment in a statement on social media earlier today. He lamented the recent tumultuous months, including a challenging no-confidence vote, describing them as “incredibly painful.”

Cabinet Secretary Julie James, responsible for Housing, Local Government, and Planning, became the third minister to resign this morning, adding weight to the growing dissent. Meanwhile, Mick Antoniw, the Counsel General, announced his departure with a sense of regret, stating, “With great sadness I am resigning from the Welsh Government.”

The wave of resignations underscores deep-seated concerns over the direction of leadership under Vaughan Gething, prompting urgent calls for his resignation. The ministers have been unequivocal in their stance that Mr. Gething “must leave office,” setting the stage for a potentially tumultuous period in Welsh politics.

UPDATE: 11:45 –

FIRST MINISTER Vaughan Gething has announced his resignation.

Gething did not offer any apologies for the events of the past few months or for his campaign donations.

He expressed that he had hoped for “rebuilding and renewal” under his leadership over the summer.

“I recognise now that this is not possible,” he stated.

He described this period as the most challenging time “for me and my family”.

“A growing assertion that some kind of wrongdoing has taken place has been pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue,” he declared.

“In 11 years as a minister, I have never made a decision for personal gain. I have never misused or abused my ministerial responsibilities.

“My integrity matters. I have not compromised it.

“I regret that the burden of proof is no longer an important commodity in the language of our politics. I do hope that can change.

“To those in Wales who look like me – many of whom I know feel personally bruised and worried by this moment, I know that our country can be better. I know that cannot happen without us.”

He added that he would discuss a timetable for the election of a new leader.

UPDATE: 11:15 –

Adrian Masters, ITV Wales’ Political Editor has said on X, formerly Twitter, that Vaughan Gething is to step down as First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader today.

UPDATE: 10:34 –

Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, has also said Mr Gething should quit. He told Herald.Wales: “Vaughan Gething’s time as First Minister is rightly coming to an end. But Labour cannot fool the people of Wales.

“These Ministers, like Jeremy Miles, sat in his cabinet, they stood by his side, and they are culpable for the breakdown of governance in Wales. Wales will remember.”

UPDATE: 10:23 –

Here are some of the resignation letters which were shared on X, formerly Twitter, this morning:

THIS PAGE IS UPDATING: As the situation continues to unfold, stay updated with our live coverage by refreshing this page for the latest details.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

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Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

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PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

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Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

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ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.

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