Ahead of tomorrow’s vote of no confidence in the First Minister of Wales, Plaid Cymru has called for Vaughan Gething to admit to a ‘significant error’ in taking a ‘toxic donation’ from an accused Pembrokeshire polluter.

Dauson Environmental Group which owns the Withyhedge landfill site near Haverfordwest gave the first minister £200,000 for his successful bid for the Welsh Labour leadership.

Pembrokeshire County Council announced last week that it is progressing with its legal challenge against the landfill site’s operators RML (the Dauson subsidiary which operates the site) following complaints about foul odours emanating from the facility since last October.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “In accepting a £200k donation form a convicted polluter, the First Minister has undermined his own office and the confidence of the people of Wales in his ability to govern.

“At a time when trust in politics is low, any perception of outside influence in the Labour Welsh government’s decision making is eroding public confidence.

“The First Minister’s unwillingness to admit to his significant error of judgment signifies a worryingly care-free attitude.

“Even when a Labour colleague reportedly offered to help him repay the toxic donation, he declined the offer, further proof that he doesn’t understand the anger felt by the people of Wales.

“It is for the Labour party and ultimately Keir Starmer to decide the fate of the First Minister. Whether some of their members hold their noses or reaffirm their unhappiness at the scale and source of the donation through supporting a vote of no confidence is a matter for them.”