Ms Blythyn, who had been expected to launch her own leadership campaign, had instead backed Mr Gething’s leadership rival Jeremy Miles.
No detail for the reasons for the shock sacking were initially given, with Vaughan Gething thanking Ms Blethyn for her work, highlighting her efforts around LGBTQ+ legislation and the fire and rescue services review.
In a short statement, the First Minister said: “I have today asked the Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn to leave Government.
“I would like to put on record my gratitude for the work the Member for Delyn has led in
Government since 2017, most notably her leadership on the LGBTQ+ Action Plan for
Wales, the fire and rescue services review, and our valuable work with social partners.”
Subsequently it was revealed that Mr Gething had sacked Ms Blythyn for allegedly being behind damaging leaks to the media on deleted COVID WhatsApp messages.
In a further statement, 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.”
“It is of vital importance we are able to maintain confidence amongst government colleagues so that we work as one to focus on improving the lives of the people in Wales.”
“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 taken to X (formally twitter) to deny leaking any information.
She said: “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 sudden sacking has been criticised by Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies.
Mr Davies said: “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.
“Vaughan Gething needs to prove quickly that he is capable of governing Wales, because as it stands his government is being stretched to breaking point by internal divisions.”
