Just a few weeks into the job the new Welsh first minister has taken a holiday, stood accused of miselading the Covid Inquiry, and now abruptly fired his Minister for Social Engagement. A highly unprecedented move…

The short statement says:

“I have today asked the Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn to leave Government. I would like to put on record my gratitude for the work the Member for Delyn has led in Government since 2017, most notably her leadership on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales, the fire and rescue services review, and our valuable work with social partners.”

Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies says Gething “needs to prove quickly that he is capable of governing Wales, because as it stands his government is being stretched to breaking point by internal divisions.” Rumours swirling around Cardiff are that Gething has found his leaker…

UPDATE: Gething releases another statement twenty minutes later: “Having reviewed the evidence available to me regarding the recent disclosure of communication to the media… I have no alternative but to ask Hannah Blythyn to leave the Government.”

UPDATE II: Blythyn denies leaking: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by what has happened today. I am clear and have been clear that I did not, nor have I ever leaked anything. Integrity is all in politics and I retain mine.”

UPDATE III: Gething within 24 hours appoints replacement ‘Minister for Social Partnership’ – Sarah Murphy.