Welsh First Minister quits after just 17 weeks in the job – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

The Welsh First Minister Vaughn Gething has announced he is to quit after just a “few short months” as the leader of the Welsh Labour Party.

On Tuesday morning four Ministers resigned from the Welsh government as they said that Gething must quit.

The four ministers, Julie James, Lesley Griffiths, Jeremy Miles and Mick Antoniw all quit amid lack of leadership.

Last month Gething lost a vote of no confidence, he said that is was a “gimmick” and said that he will continue.

The counsel general, Antoniw said that the Welsh Senedd is “rudderless” as there is no leader.

He wrote in his resignation letter, “Wales needs confident and stable government. I do not believe you are capable of delivering that.

“You have lost a vote of confidence in the Senedd. That is something I regard as being of major constitutional importance.

“It is clear that you no longer command a majority, that you will be unable to enter into the agreements necessary to pass a budget, and for all intents and purposes the Senedd is rudderless.”

He added: “We are all here to do the best for our country. I believe it is now necessary for you to choose to put the country first and resign as First Minister to allow an election for a new First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour.”

In a statement Gething said, “I have this morning taken the difficult decision to begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister.

Having been elected as leader of my party in March, I 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.

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