Former Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths resigns from Welsh Government

Ms Griffiths is one of several ministers who has announced their resignation today citing a lack of confidence in the First Minister Vaughan Gething's leadership, calling for him to resign

Rachael Brown
clock • 1 min read
Former Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths resigns from Welsh Government

Former Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced she is stepping down from Welsh Government. 

Ms Griffiths served as Minister for Rural Affairs between 2016-2024. She is one of several ministers who has announced their resignation today citing a lack of confidence in the First Minister Vaughan Gething's leadership. 

READ NOW: Wales' Rural Affairs Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies chairs first SFS roundtable to agree other ways to sequester carbon

Welsh Government

In a post shared online Ms Griffiths raised concerns about the campaign donation which Mr Gething received; the outcome of the vote of no confidence; and the sacking of ministerial colleague Hannah Blythn for alleged leaking, with 'no formal leak inquiry having taken place.'

She said she found it 'deeply distressing' from both personal and professional perspectives, to see the negative impact it had on relationships between longstanding colleagues, adding the 'deeply saddening events' had impacted the Government's ability to 'continue to deliver for the people of Wales.' 

READ NOW: Welsh new entrants build meat box business from scratch

Vaughan Gething

"I have reached the conclusion that we simply will not be able to put things back on track under your leadership, leaving me with only one realistic option at this point. 

"In the current circumstances and with little evidence to suggest that matters will improve under your leadership. I tender my resignation from your Cabinet. I do so with a heavy heart." 

READ NOW: Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething loses confidence vote

Axial Flow 6150 X-Flow. x

Axial Flow 6150 X-Flow. x

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

CASEIH AXIAL FLOW 7150

CASEIH AXIAL FLOW 7150

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

NEW CLAYDON 7.5M HARROW

NEW CLAYDON 7.5M HARROW

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Politics

Farmer to lead rural affairs brief for the Welsh Conservatives

Farmer to lead rural affairs brief for the Welsh Conservatives

With 12 months to go until the 2026 Senedd Elections, Welsh Conservatives Leader Darren Millar has announced a reshuffle in the Shadow Cabinet

clock 03 May 2025 • 2 min read
Martin Lines: "The slogan, 'No Farmers, No Food' is everywhere. But how true is this?"

Martin Lines: "The slogan, 'No Farmers, No Food' is everywhere. But how true is this?"

Arable farmer Martin Lines said farmers have 'wasted time' by fighting the 'wrong battles' with Government when they should be championing the benefits they provide to society as a whole

Farmers Guardian
clock 02 May 2025 • 4 min read
Reform makes early strides in rural communities at May 2025 local elections

Reform makes early strides in rural communities at May 2025 local elections

The Conservatives have so far lost 62 seats in the May 2025 local election. Nigel Farage said the results have shown the UK's two-party system is 'dead'. Is he right?

clock 02 May 2025 • 2 min read