Vaughan Gething refuses independent donations inquiry

The exact remit for the review is yet to be confirmed – the review will also look at nominations, communications with party members and the length of contests.

Mr Gething narrowly beat Jeremy Miles to become first minister last month.

At the weekend, Mr Miles told the BBC’s Politics Wales programme that he would not have taken the money himself.

Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives have both called for independent reviews – the Conservatives have said it is likely Mr Gething has breached the ministerial code.

In a response to a letter from Andrew RT Davies on Thursday, Mr Gething said DBW’s decisions “are wholly independent of the Welsh government”.

“In addition, the ministerial code is clear that ministers should not act in any ministerial capacity which might be perceived as favouring one or more of their constituents.

“This stipulation is strictly followed by Welsh ministers. This protects against conflicts of interests regarding businesses located within a constituency or region ministers represent in their capacity as Members of the Senedd.

“There was no conflict of interest which would have prevented me from accepting a contribution to my leadership campaign.”

“I will not commission any further advice or an independent inquiry.”

The Welsh Labour leader has maintained throughout that the donations were declared and registered in the correct way and that he would not be returning the money.

The letter came as it emerged Welsh Labour had agreed a separate review of leadership campaigns – to be led by Carwyn Jones.

After voting in the leadership campaign closed, Mr Jones described the decision to accept the donation as “unfortunate” and said that there were “lessons to be learned” around due diligence.

Speaking to ITV Wales’ Sharp End, Mr Gething said: “As the leader of Welsh Labour, I’ve attended a very harmonious and positive meeting of the Welsh executive just this weekend gone, at which we’ve honoured my commitment to have a proper review of the elections process.

“Carwyn Jones, at my request, has agreed to chair that review, and it will report back to the chief executive of Welsh Labour in September.”