Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething is currently embroiled in controversies amid the ongoing UK Covid inquiry. Gething has been accused of misleading the inquiry regarding his handling of WhatsApp messages during the pandemic. This situation intensified when leaked communications suggested that messages were intentionally deleted, contradicting his earlier claim that they were removed automatically by the Senedd’s IT team. Responding to these implications, Gething stated that the discussed messages were interpersonal and unrelated to the decision-making processes of the pandemic.

This incident adds to prior scrutiny over a donations scandal linked to Gething’s campaign for the leadership of Welsh Labour, wherein allegations of conflicts of interest have been raised due to a loan made to the donor’s company by a Welsh investment bank. Despite denying wrongdoing, these issues have reportedly undermined his authority within the party.

In light of these developments, Gething has been defending his actions by emphasizing his dedication to transparency and effective governance, particularly with a general election looming. Nonetheless, opposition leaders and groups like the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice have expressed serious concerns about his integrity and transparency.

The inquiry led by Baroness Hallett might recall Gething for further clarification. Meanwhile, Gething remains focused on governance, refuting what he calls “obnoxious” allegations of perjury and committing to ensuring clear and transparent political donations moving forward.