New Welsh housing minister confirmed

Ms James said Mr Gething’s handling of an outcry over donations to his leadership campaign and leaks from a government group chat had caused “huge divisions” in the party and put the government’s reforms to homelessness legislation at risk.

Mr Gething resigned later that day, describing the claims as “pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue”. He had previously lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd.

The Welsh Labour government is still in flux, with the nomination period for the new first minister closing tomorrow at 12pm.

As yet, only one candidate has come forward: health secretary Eluned Morgan. She is standing with Huw Irranca-Davies on a ‘joint-unity ticket’, who would be her deputy first minister.

If Ms Morgan is confirmed as the new leader, she would become the first female first minister in Wales.

However, Andrew Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, has called for Senedd to be recalled if Ms Morgan is the only candidate.

“Wales has faced political paralysis and Labour infighting for too long, we need certainty and we need it fast,” he said.

“The Welsh Conservatives are calling for a recall of the Senedd to give Wales greater stability. Wales should not be without a functioning government for months over the summer.”

The Welsh government has previously committed to building 20,000 low-carbon homes for social rent between 2021 and 2026, a target that Ms James had previously admitted it was “hanging on to… by the skin of our teeth”.

The government has also introduced plans to make major reforms to the country’s legislation on homelessness.

In a case that could have a significant impact on the sector, Welsh social landlords have been told they cannot pick and choose how parts of the Renting Homes (Wales) Act apply after an issue of non-compliance was discovered that could cost the sector tens of millions of pounds.

Ranjit Bhose of Cornerstone Barristers, who was acting on behalf of all defendants in the case – which include the Welsh government and tenants – explained to the court why the sector in Wales should accept the consequences set out in the legislation.