KEIR Starmer “absolutely” has confidence in Vaughan Gething, despite the First Minister losing a no-confidence vote, according to Labour general election candidate Stephen Kinnock.

Mr Kinnock, who is standing for Aberafan Maesteg, affirmed that Mr Gething had “done nothing wrong” and insisted he “absolutely must carry on” as Labour’s leader in Wales.

The no-confidence vote, initiated by the Conservative party in the Senedd, was non-binding. Opposition parties held a majority due to the absence of two Labour members—one who had criticised a £200,000 donation received by Mr Gething, and another who had been dismissed by him—both of whom were off sick.

Following the vote, Mr Gething vowed to “carry on” as First Minister. The vote came after weeks of scrutiny over Mr Gething’s acceptance of a £200,000 donation from a company owned by businessman David Neal, who has been twice convicted for environmental offences.

Opposition parties are contemplating whether to submit a motion of no confidence in the entire Welsh government, as the Senedd’s rules do not mandate Mr Gething’s resignation despite the vote outcome.

Speaking on BBC Wales Live, Mr Kinnock was asked if Sir Keir had full confidence in the Welsh Labour leader. He responded: “Absolutely he does. Vaughan is a man of honour and integrity and what we’ve seen today is just a cheap political stunt by the opposition, led by the Conservatives, aided and abetted by Plaid Cymru.”

Tory Welsh Secretary David TC Davies commented on the matter, stating it was not “about Vaughan’s integrity so much as about his judgement”. He added that the decision to push for a vote of no confidence in the entire Welsh government was up to the Conservative leader in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies. “The reality is this is making us look foolish in Wales,” he said.

Plaid Cymru’s Liz Saville Roberts expressed her concerns, saying: “This is a really sad event for Welsh democracy and it has been brought about by Vaughan Gething. Yes, there are rules, but there is also judgement.”

Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth called it a “serious and solemn day” and urged Mr Gething to resign. In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he denied the vote was “playing politics” and criticised Mr Gething for showing “no contrition whatsoever” over the donation controversy.

Meanwhile, some Labour candidates have voiced their discontent. One, who wished to remain anonymous, said they wanted to “distance” themselves from Mr Gething, stating: “We don’t want him out on the doorstep with us,” and noting that the issue was being raised in conversations with constituents.

Another candidate acknowledged that the First Minister’s troubles were a topic on the doorstep but asserted it was “not impacting people’s vote”.

The situation remains fluid as opposition parties deliberate their next steps in response to the controversy.