Vaughan Gething: Two absent Labour MSs would have backed FM – claim

Two Labour MSs who were absent for a vote on Vaughan Gething’s leadership would have backed him had they taken part, a supporter of the Welsh first minister has said.

Hannah Blythyn and Lee Waters were said to be sick on Wednesday as Mr Gething lost a confidence vote by two votes.

Vikki Howells, who chairs the Welsh Labour group, said she was “confident” they would have backed Mr Gething had they been able to attend.

Both Ms Blythin and Mr Waters have clashed with the first minister in the recent past.

Ms Blythyn, who represents the Delyn constituency, has not been seen in the Senedd since she was sacked as a minister by Mr Gething for allegedly leaking text messages – something she strongly denies.

Meanwhile Mr Waters, who represents Llanelli, has been a high-profile critic of Mr Gething’s decision to take £200,000 from a company owned by a man convicted of illegally dumping waste in 2013.

Mr Waters had been transport minister until March, and had been the figurehead for the controversial 20mph speed limit policy.

Neither have publicly commented on Wednesday’s vote.