Wales FM to miss D-day event for confidence vote

An event marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day is taking place in Portsmouth on Wednesday

The first minister cannot represent Wales at the national D-day commemoration in Portsmouth because of the planned vote of no confidence this week, the Welsh government has said.

The Welsh Conservatives have called a vote into Vaughan Gething's leadership in the Senedd for Wednesday.

An event marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day is taking place on the same day.

A spokesman for the Welsh government said that "unfortunately it will not be possible for him to represent Wales at the national event".

He added that they were looking to see if it was possible for Mr Gething to still take part in the British Normandy Memorial on Thursday.

The event in Portsmouth marks the eve of Operation Overlord, that saw thousands of soldiers cross the Channel to begin the liberation of northwest Europe.

It will be broadcast live on BBC One.

Since he became first minister Mr Gething has faced criticism for his leadership campaign accepting £200,000 from a company owned by a man who was previously convicted of environmental offences.

Mr Gething has insisted that he has followed all rules over donations.

All opposition Senedd members - including Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Liberal Democrats leader Jane Dodds - are expected to support the Conservative motion.

Labour has exactly half of the seats in the Welsh Parliament and so need every Labour politician to take part to defeat the motion by forcing a tie.

A rift has existed within the Labour group since Mr Gething's leadership campaign ended in March.

But with a general election campaign underway, it would be a shock if a rebellion took place.

The vote is expected to take place Wednesday evening.