‘What the f*** is the matter with you?’: Welsh health minister swears about colleague while unmuted during Zoom cabinet meeting

Vaughan Gething’s comments have led to calls for him to be sacked

Wales’s health minister was caught swearing about a colleague after accidentally leaving his microphone unmuted during a virtual cabinet meeting.

Vaughan Gething could be heard saying “what the f*** is the matter with her” in reference to Cardiff Central assembly member Jenny Rathbone during the Zoom video conference on Wednesday.

Several assembly members appeared visibly shocked by his comments and could be seen laughing while Mr Gething carried on talking, apparently completely unaware that his microphone was still on.

Presiding officer Elin Jones could be heard saying “I think the Vaughan Gething needs to turn his microphone off. Vaughan Gething needs to turn his microphone off,” before the meeting was paused.

The Labour and Co-operative politician has since apologised to Ms Rathbone, who had been asking questions about the Welsh government’s coronavirus response.

He wrote on Twitter: “I’m obviously embarrassed about my comments at the end of questions today.

“I’ve sent a message apologising and offered to speak to @JennyRathbone if she wishes to do so.

“It is an unwelcome distraction at a time of unprecedented challenge.”

Mr Gething’s comments have led to calls for him to be sacked.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said: ”He has not only failed over the last month several times, he has failed to acknowledge that he has failed and aggressively attacks even those within his own party who question him.

“He does not have the right attitude, skills or temperament to lead the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“To maintain public confidence the first minister needs to relieve him of these responsibilities with immediate effect.”

Paul Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservative Party, tweeted: “Politicians are entitled to ask serious and challenging questions of ministers and it’s essential that they are able to do so during this pandemic.

“For a health minister to show such unprofessionalism and disdain at this time is completely unacceptable and he should be sacked.”