Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn sacked from ministerial role after being accused of leaking to media

Delyn MS Hannah Blythyn, the Minister for Social Partnership, has been dismissed from her role in the Welsh Government.

First Minister Vaughan Gething announced her removal from his Cabinet, accusing her of leaking messages to the media.

Earlier this month Nation Cymru revealed Mr Gething had told ministers he was deleting messages from a group chat, “that should have been provided to the UK Covid Inquiry”.

A screenshot of the messages appeared with the Nation Cymru story.

In a statement this morning, Mr Gething said, “Having reviewed the evidence available to me regarding the recent disclosure of communication to the media, I have regrettably reached the conclusion I have no alternative but to ask Hannah Blythyn to leave the Government.”

“I’d like to record my gratitude for the work the Member has done to date, including her leadership through the fire and rescue services review, outstanding work leading the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales and invaluable work on the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act.”

He emphasised the importance of maintaining confidence among government colleagues, adding, “Given Hannah’s talents and experience, I have been clear there is a route back for her to take up a government position again in future. The government has offered ongoing support to the member.”

Ms Blythyn has denied the accusation, she posted on social media: “ 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.”

“For a kid from Connah’s Quay it is an immense privilege to serve the community that shaped me, let alone to have served in my country’s government. I will say no more at present.”

The response, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, criticised Mr Gething’s handling of the situation.

“Vaughan Gething’s decisions during the Labour leadership campaign are catching up with him.”

“Just weeks into his time as First Minister, Vaughan Gething has had to sack somebody from his Cabinet, which is almost unprecedented in recent memory in Wales, for leaking to the media about him.”

Davies further called for transparency from Ms Blythyn, saying, “Now Blythyn needs to be clear about where she obtained the messages she leaked from and, if she still has them, why she hasn’t handed them to the COVID inquiry.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Leader of Plaid Cymru said:

“In his first two months since his election, Vaughan Gething has undermined the office of First Minister and lost the trust of his party and the nation.”

“Rather than seizing on the opportunity to put Wales on a fairer and more ambitious path, his tenure has been marred by controversy, a lack of transparency and serious questions about judgement.”

“The sacking of one of his Ministers, and the allegations and counter allegations which surround it, demonstrates again that the First Minister’s priority is self-preservation rather than the public interest. If anyone should be considering their position, it is the First Minister himself.”

Hannah Blythyn was appointed as Minister for Social Partnership in March 2024, shortly after Vaughan Gething became First Minister and formed his new cabinet.

Her responsibilities included implementing the Social Partnership and Public Procurement Act, overseeing the Social Partnership Council, promoting the Living Wage, and supporting sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and retail.

Ms Blythyn’s ministerial journey began in November 2017 when she joined the Welsh Government focusing on environmental issues.

A proud trade unionist, she previously led political and policy work for Unite in Wales, advocating for causes such as blacklisting, justice for victims of asbestos-related diseases, protection for rural workers, and tackling bogus self-employment.