Mick Antoniw has taken to X to say: "I am resigning as Counsel General from the Welsh Government."
Mr Antoniw's resignation letter in full:
Vaughan Gething MS
First Minister of Wales
Via email
16 July 2024
Dear Vaughan,
We have known each other a long time and I regard you as a friend and comrade. Our politics have differed often quite widely but that is in the nature of democracy. We both have strong beliefs in the sort of changes we need to see in our society to make life better for the people and communities we represent. We are elected to serve the people of Wales and our constituencies and I know you are committed to this. We were elected to the Senedd at the same time and are both committed to the values of Welsh Labour as the vehicle for change and progress despite the most difficult 13 years of Tory austerity during which we have been Senedd members.
Over the past week and longer we have had a number of conversations about the challenges you have faced as First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour. As Counsel General, as a friend and comrade and as a member of the Welsh Government I feel it is necessary for me to give you advice that you need to receive no matter how painful. I must advise you that I do not believe you can continue as First Minister. Wales needs confident and stable government. I do not believe you are capable of delivering that. You have lost a vote of confidence in the Senedd. That is something I regard as being of major constitutional importance. It is clear that you no longer command a majority, that you will be unable to enter into the agreements necessary to pass a budget, and for all intents and purposes the Senedd is rudderless.
We are all here to do the best for our country. I believe it is now necessary for you to choose to put the country first and resign as First Minister to allow an election for a new First Minister and leader of Welsh Labour.
In these circumstances and with great regret, if this does not happen I must advise you also that it is my intention to resign as Counsel General.
Yours Fraternally
Mick Culens
Mick Antoniw MS
https://twitter.com/MickAntoniw1/status/1813129957985391053
