Labour's Vaughan Gething Resigns As First Minister Of Wales

Vaughan Gething has resigned as First Minister of Wales after multiple members of his ministerial team stepped down in protest of his leadership.

On Tuesday morning four Welsh ministers – Mick Antoniw, Julie James, Lesley Griffiths and Jeremy Miles – resigned from their posts after weeks of rumours that there was going to be a challenge to Gething's leadership.

Gething won the contest to become First Minister in March this year and became the first Black leader of a European country.

Only a few months later in June, he refused to resign despite losing a vote of confidence from members of the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament.

Gething said in a statement that he had "hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership".

"I recognise now that this is not possible," he said.

"It has been the honour of my life to do this job even for a few short months.

To see the dedication to public service from our civil service, and the dedication to civility from the Welsh public. To see the election of a new government in Westminster, and the fresh hope that brings to Wales."

He added that it had been the "most difficult 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 said.

"In 11 years as a Minister, I have never ever made a decision for personal gain. I have never ever 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."

Serving in the Welsh Government has been an immense privilege and solemn