Penarth on Vaughan Gething resigning as First Minister

At around 10am this morning Jeremy Miles, Julie James, Mick Antoniw and Lesley Griffiths all resigned from their roles saying Mr Gething must leave office, then, at 11.20am, the unthinkable happened and Mr Gething announced he was in the process of stepping down as leader.

Penarth is a cosmopolitan and eclectic town and that was also seen in the views of the people walking the streets on an unusually (now usually…) blustery and cool summer's day in town.

The first person we spoke to was Linda, who said: “There has been a lot around him. No smoke without fire. They have decided already. I think it’s right to go.”

Then came the roller coaster of different views.

One person said: “Not surprised, but I thought he might stumble on for six more months or so."

Another said: “Not my favourite,” while one gentleman added: "Sooner the better."

Vaughan Gething announced he was stepping down this morning July 16 (Image: PA Video)

There was support for Mr Gething out there with one woman coming in staunch defence of the former First Minster, saying: “I feel he has huge integrity and I feel very sorry he has been forced into this position."

One gentleman chimed: “Maybe he will resign as an MS?” while another countered: “He could get in in 2026 with people still wanting to vote for the Labour party.”

Labour’s own, and councillor for the Stanwell Ward, Mr Richard Cox was one of the few local councillors to stick his head above the parapet and make a comment, saying: “We can move on and I look forward to a coherent government being formed following the long standing traditions of the Labour party.”

Another local councillor to comment was Mr Anthony Ernst, representative of the Plymouth ward at Vale Council, saying: “Vaughan Gething has, at last, and after huge pressure on him by so many of his political colleagues, stood down and done the honourable thing for a politician in such circumstances.

“Every politician needs to seek the trust not only of his or her party, but also of the public they seek to serve. Regrettably Gething has lost that trust on both counts.”

• Read our live blog of the days events, clicking here

‘The most difficult time, for me, and my family’: Vaughan Gething

In his statement confirming he is stepping down, Mr Gething, Senedd member for Cardiff South and Penarth, said it had been a hugely difficult time for his family.

“Having been elected as leader of my party in March, I had hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership. I recognise now that this is not possible.

"This has been the most difficult time, for me, and my family. A growing assertion that some kind of wrongdoing has taken place has been pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue.

"In 11 years as a Minister, I have never ever made a decision for personal gain. I have never ever misused or abused my ministerial responsibilities. My integrity matters. I have not compromised it.

"I regret that the burden of proof is no longer an important commodity in the language of our politics. I do hope that can change.”