Plaid Cymru pulls out of co-operation agreement with Welsh Government

Plaid Cymru has pulled out of its co-operation agreement with the Welsh Government seven months early.

Party leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said the agreement has ended “with immediate effect”.

He hit out at First Minister Vaughan Gething and said: “I remain deeply concerned that the First Minister has failed to pay back the £200,000 donation to his leadership campaign from a company convicted of environmental offences, and believe it demonstrates a significant lack of judgement.

“Money left over has now been passed on to Keir Starmer’s Labour Party.”

Mr ap Iorwerth also cited the sacking of Hannah Blythyn from Mr Gething’s cabinet this week, saying he was “worried by the circumstances around the decision”.

He continued: “I am also concerned by the emerging approach of the government in relation to some elements of the co-operation agreement, including the decision to delay action in supporting the poorest families in our communities, as evidenced most recently by the decision to delay council tax reform.”

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, accused Plaid Cymru of an “attempt to save face”.

He said: “This move from Plaid means nothing and the Welsh public won’t be fooled.”

Speaking to BBC Wales, Mr Davies said a no-confidence vote will likely be brought forward to try to force Mr Gething to resign.

He said: “I would say it’s odds on that motion of no-confidence would come forward, and then members will have the ability to express their confidence, or not, in Vaughan Gething.”