Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething loses no confidence vote

Mr Gething replaced Mark Drakeford as Wales’ first minister in March, defeating Jeremy Miles in a Welsh Labour leadership contest.

Since then, he has faced criticism – including from those in his own party – over the donations, while also being questioned over Covid-era text messages and the sacking of a minister for allegedly leaking information to the media, which she denies.

The result will also be uncomfortable for the UK Labour Party in Westminster, less than a month ahead of a general election.

In the debate leading up to the vote, Mr Gething said he regretted a motion “designed to question my integrity”.

“Like so many of you in this chamber, I have dedicated my adult life to public services and to Wales,” he said.

“Even in the midst of an election campaign, it does hurt deeply when my intentions are questioned.”

He said he would “not shy away from scrutiny and challenge”.

The first minister said that he and “so many people of colour have been traduced and vilified merely for raising concerns about how some of these debates have been handled”.

“I will continue to put Wales first, first in thought, deed and ambition, as I serve and lead my country,” he added.