The Archbishop of Wales has called for the next Welsh First Minister to display stability and confidence, following Vaughan Gething’s resignation on Tuesday, amid scandals and infighting.
Appearing in the Senedd, Gething said he was “proud” of his actions as First Minister and that the position had been the “honour of his life” – despite it lasting just four months.
The now former First Minister faced increasing pressure to step down after rows over donations to his leadership campaign and his decision to sack Hannah Blythyn as a minister led him to lose a vote of no confidence in Welsh Parliament in June.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Gething had made the "difficult decision" to quit because "he feels it is the best decision now for Wales".
On Tuesday morning, four ministers - including Gething's former leadership rival Jeremy Miles - resigned and called for him to quit.
The Archbishop of Wales, The Most Revd Andrew John told Premier Christian News Gething’s resignation was “inevitable” but “tragic” and called for a “period of stability” moving forward.
“There have been difficulties around the former First Minister's tenure. And I think it was right for him, probably to step back, given the events of today,” Archbishop Andrew told Premier Christian News.
“Whomever steps into the role [of next First Minister] needs to be fully aware of the responsibilities laid at their feet - they need to be people of integrity, they need to be transparent, they need to have the confidence of all who are there,” he added.
Archbishop Andrew reminded people of the importance compassion for those in public service and urged the next First Minister to prioritise issues around climate change and poverty in young people, taking “very seriously the real concerns of people across Wales.”
He also called upon the Christin community to pray for our leaders that Christin values of love, joy peace, patience and kindness would be living and active in Welsh parliament.
"We assure all those involved in this painful experience of our prayers as they seek to serve the people of Wales," the archbishop said in a statement.
