Vaughan Gething sacks North Wales MS Hannah Blythyn just weeks into job

Vaughan Gething has sacked social partnership minister Hannah Blythyn from his cabinet. The First Minister released a statement on Thursday without providing a specific reason for the Delyn MS's departure. He stated: "I have today asked the minister for social partnership, Hannah Blythyn, to leave government."

He expressed his appreciation for her contributions, saying: "I would like to put on record my gratitude for the work the member for Delyn has led in government since 2017, most notably her leadership on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales, the fire and rescue services review, and our valuable work with social partners," reports WalesOnline.

The sacking follows a story, originally published by Nation.Cymru, that revealed Mr Gething told ministers he was deleting messages from a pandemic-era group chat.

Mr Gething's full statement said: "Having reviewed the evidence available to me regarding the recent disclosure of communication to the media, I have regrettably reached the conclusion I have no alternative but to ask Hannah Blythyn to leave the Government. I’d like to record my gratitude for the work the Member has done to date, including her leadership through the fire and rescue services review, outstanding work leading the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales and invaluable work on the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act.

“It is of vital importance we are able to maintain confidence amongst Government colleagues so that we work as one to focus on improving the lives of the people in Wales. Given Hannah’s talents and experience, I have been clear there is a route back for her to take up a Government position again in future. The Government has offered ongoing support to the Member.”

Ms Blythyn said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened today. I am clear and have been clear that I did not, nor have I ever leaked anything. Integrity is all in politics and I retain mine. "

Andrew RT Davies MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: "Vaughan Gething's decisions during the Labour leadership campaign are catching up with him.

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"Just weeks into his time as First Minister Vaughan Gething has had to sack somebody from his cabinet, which is almost unprecedented in recent memory in Wales.

"Vaughan Gething needs to prove quickly that he is capable of governing Wales because as it stands his government is being stretched to breaking point by internal divisions."

Ms Blythyn is yet to issue any statement but has been contacted for comment.

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