The Welsh Conservatives are poised to nominate Andrew RT Davies in today’s vote to select a new First Minister of Wales. Sources indicate that Tory politicians in the Senedd are reluctant to convey any endorsement of Vaughan Gething as the next First Minister.
Following the announcement on Saturday, March 16, that the economy minister narrowly won the Welsh Labour leadership election with 51.7% of the vote, his campaign has faced scrutiny over a significant donation and the involvement of unions in his nomination.
Mark Drakeford formally stepped down as First Minister on Tuesday afternoon, March 19, after serving for five years. The Senedd is scheduled to vote on Wednesday, March 20, to confirm Mr. Gething as the new First Minister of Wales. However, his nomination could be blocked if there is a united opposition and some abstentions from Labour MSs.
There has been growing discontent among Labour backbenchers over a £200,000 donation to Mr. Gething’s campaign from a company headed by an individual with two convictions for environmental offenses. Despite this, all Labour MSs are expected to vote for Vaughan Gething “without exception.”
The Welsh Conservatives and Plaid Cymru have requested that the donation be returned. Andrew RT Davies had previously pledged Welsh Conservative support for Mr. Gething, contingent on him abandoning certain key policies such as the 20mph default speed limit and increasing the number of politicians in the Senedd. However, it appears unlikely that such concessions will be made.
Welsh Conservative MS Gareth Davies announced his backing for Andrew RT Davies to become First Minister, emphasizing the need for change after what he described as “25 years of failure from Labour in Wales.”