Wales’s first minister Vaughan Gething is facing mounting pressure as questions swirl around his campaign donations, with opposition parties considering a no-confidence vote that could potentially destabilize his leadership.
The ongoing scandal involving the £200,000 donation from Dauson group, whose director was convicted of environmental offenses, has cast a shadow over Gething’s leadership. Plaid Cymru recently withdrew from its cooperation agreement with the Labour government ahead of schedule, adding to the turmoil.
While Gething is expected to survive an immediate no-confidence vote, the situation remains tense. The first opportunity for such a vote is not likely to come until June 5, according to Conservative and Plaid sources.
Criticism of Gething, who became the first black leader elected in Europe, has sparked allegations of racial motivation from some of his allies. However, Tory leader Andrew RT Davies has vowed to continue pressing for answers regarding the controversial donation.
With Labour holding 30 of the 60 seats in Wales, opposition parties would need at least one Labour member to abstain in order to pass a no-confidence motion. Despite the mounting pressure, no motion has been put forward yet.
As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes will be on the upcoming First Minister’s Questions session on Tuesday, where Gething is expected to provide more details about the unspent funds from his leadership contest. The political landscape in Wales remains uncertain as the embattled first minister navigates the storm of scrutiny and criticism.