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. 

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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.' 

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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." 

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I resign from the Welsh Government with a heavy heart. pic.twitter.com/O5QdxtQiCz

— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) July 16, 2024