Former First Minister, Vaughan Gething, has confirmed he will be stepping down as a Senedd member at the next election.
The former First Minister resigned in July after four troubled months in the top job of Welsh politics.
The Cardiff South and Penarth MS told a constituency event on Saturday night that he won’t be seeking re-election at the next polls, due to be held in 2026.
Mr Gething has also confirmed he will not be seeking a cabinet role under his successor as FM, Eluned Morgan, who is expected to announce a reshuffle in the coming days.
It has been an immense honour to represent the people of Cardiff South and Penarth, and to serve the people of Wales in government.
— Vaughan Gething (@vaughangething) September 7, 2024
Diolch i bawb am eich cefnogaeth. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/b2qtNxL5Yk
Mr Gething was elected to the Senedd in 2011, succeeding former Labour MS Lorraine Barrett.
He served as health minister for five years from 2016 to 2021, before serving as economy minister for three years.
Mr Gething succeeded Mark Drakeford in March by winning the Welsh Labour leadership contest, defeating Jeremy Miles and the first black leader of any European country.
But from the outset, Mr Gething’s brief tenure in office was marred by controversy.
A row over a £200,000 donation to his leadership campaign by a waste firm refused to go away, and in June, Mr Gething sacked social partnership minister Hannah Blythyn, accusing her of leaking text messages to the media. The Delyn MS denied the allegations.
He came under further pressure in June after a losing a confidence motion in the Senedd brought about by the Welsh Conservatives - while Plaid Cymru walked away from a three-year Senedd pact with Labour earlier than planned.
He refused to resign, but finally on 16th July - an hour after four members of his cabinet resigned - Mr Gething quit.
Announcing his decision not to stand at the next Senedd elections, Mr Gething said: “The support of local members during my 13 years as their representative has been a constant source of strength, especially in recent months.”
“I am proud to have served with them since the late 1990s, as a campaigner and a councillor before being elected to the Senedd.”
“I have never forgotten that the platform I have in public life is built on the shoulders of our movement.”
Mr Gething said he had spoken to Eluned Morgan and pledged his support to the new FM as a backbencher rather than seeking a government role.
He said: “Eluned is a fantastic public servant who always puts country first. We have worked together for decades and she deserves strong support for her ambitious vision for Wales and for our party.”
Mr Gething added: “I will continue to serve the constituency until 2026 and look forward to working on issues where I can help further the causes of social justice that drew me into public service.”
“As a Welshman born in Zambia, it has been a great honour to serve in the Welsh Government for over a decade.”
”The opportunity to make a difference alongside inspiring people and movements, determined to make change happen is a special privilege. One I will always be grateful for, and proud of.”
Reacting to the announcement, First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Vaughan Gething has made a truly historic contribution to Wales in some of the toughest of circumstances.”
”From helping to steer Wales through the pandemic and delivering one of the fastest vaccine rollouts on the planet to landing major investment in our semiconductor industry.”
”Vaughan has delivered time and again and has advanced the cause of devolution in Wales.”
“He has always been a team player who has shown me and others kindness and support even at times of enormous pressure in the roles he has carried out for the people of Wales.”
“I know that Vaughan will go on to make important contributions to our country in the years ahead.”
Mr Gething's predecessor as First Minister, Mark Drakeford, is also stepping down from his Cardiff West seat at the 2026 election.
He is currently serving in the Welsh Government as an interim Health Secretary.
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