Live updates as Vaughan Gething quits as First Minister of Wales

Vaughan Gething has quit as Welsh Labour leader, and in turn as First Minister of Wales. His resignation has come after four members of his cabinet this morning quit his government saying the First Minister had to resign. Julie James, Lesley Griffiths and Jeremy Miles have all resigned from the Welsh Government. Counsel general Mick Antoniw has said he will also quit and due to the nature of his role is writing to the King to resign.

In his resignation statement Mr Gething said: "I have this morning taken the difficult decision to begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour Party and, as a result, First Minister. 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."

Mr Gething says he is stepping down as Welsh Labour leader, and as a result, First Minister. He says he will now consult on a timetable to replace him.

Julie James, who held the housing, local government and planning role, was a key ally of Jeremy Miles, Mr Gething's rival in the leadership battle. Ms James' statement said Mr Gething had to resign so they can "begin to repair this damage immediately".

She said in her statement, also on X, that she contacted Mr Gething last night but has not heard from him. She said the last few months have been a "rollercoaster" but there have been "serious issues" in his own campaign including the handling of donations.

She says she believes his tenure as leader has "caused huge divisions in the group and damaged both the country and the party" and added: "I think it also now threatens the continued existence of the devolution journey itself."