Morgan was the health secretary from 2021 until she succeeded Gething – himself a former health secretary – as leader of Welsh Labour on 24 July. ..reports Asian Lite News
Vaughan Gething, the Labour former first minister of Wales who stood down after a series of scandals, has announced he will not seek re-election for the Senedd.
Gething, the MS for Cardiff South and Penarth, said it had been “an immense honour” to serve his constituents, and in the Welsh government, as he made the announcement.
On X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: “I have spoken to the first minister to confirm that I will not be seeking a role in government and that I will support her leadership as a backbencher.”
After paying tribute to his successor, Eluned Morgan, Mr Gething added: “I will continue to serve the constituency until 2026 and look forward to working on issues where I can further the causes of social justice that drew me into public service.”
Gething lasted less than 140 days as first minister, having presided over a turbulent period in office, beset by rows over donations and sacked ministers.
Morgan was the health secretary from 2021 until she succeeded Gething – himself a former health secretary – as leader of Welsh Labour on 24 July. 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.”
The Cabinet Office minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, the Labour MP for Torfaen, said Vaughan Gething had given “extraordinary service to Wales” in a tribute on social media site X. He wrote: “I wish Vaughan and his family all the best for their next chapter. He has given extraordinary service to Wales, his constituents and Welsh Labour. I will always remember how he stepped up during the pandemic, showing integrity and commitment in the hardest of times.”
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