22 June 2026
Former first minister offers insights into political journey
Former Welsh First Minister, Vaughan Gething delivered a series of talks for students at King’s College London which offered fascinating insights into his career in politics.
Titled ‘Why on earth did I do that?' Vaughan reflected on the realities of his life in politics, from giving up a stable job right through to the practicalities of being a leading figure on the national stage.
The series was organised by the King's Centre of British Democracy in partnership with the School of Politics and Economics, and offered an insightful reflection on Vaughan’s political journey - from his early steps into public life to his rise from backbencher to first minister.
Born in Zambia and raised in the UK, Vaughan studied at Aberystwyth and Cardiff universities, where he served as president of the National Union of Students Wales. After establishing a successful career in law, he entered public life as a Cardiff councillor before moving into full-time politics. He went on to serve as Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services (2016–2021), Minister for the Economy (2021–2024), and First Minister of Wales (March–August 2024).
Across the series, Vaughan spoke with students about the challenges that defined his political career. He reflected on his early setbacks, including losing his seat in 2008, through to the intense pressures faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, in his time as the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services. His talks provided students with a unique understanding of the challenges a career in politics can bring.
Alongside his reflections, Vaughan's talks provided optimism for students. He encouraged them to see politics not only as demanding, but as a deeply rewarding career. Concluding one of his talks, Vaughan left the following message for attendees: “Politics is not for the faint-hearted, but it can have a positive impact for so many different people.”
Giving up a stable job
In his opening talk, Vaughan reflected on his journey into politics. Having trained and practised as a lawyer, rising to become an employment partner at a trade union law firm, he described how his interest in public service led him to local government. He first became a councillor in 2004.
He spoke openly about losing his council seat in 2008, highlighting it as an early lesson in the realities of a career in politics. Despite the dedication and positive work delivered by the council, he noted that national party perceptions at the time influenced the result and how people perceived him. The experience taught him that hard work and good intentions alone are not always enough in politics, and how the national mood can be more influential in how a party and politician are perceived.
Backbencher to Minister
The second session focused on the day-to-day realities of working in government, and Vaughan's responsibilities in his position as a minister. He provided insight into the policymaking process, distinguishing between the adversarial nature of the chamber and the more collaborative work undertaken in committees, where cross-party co-operation is essential.
He also highlighted the challenges he had experienced with cabinet reshuffles. Reflecting on his own experience working on legislation in his role as deputy minister for tackling poverty, he noted that reshuffles cause ministers to inherit partially completed work and introduce new priorities, often leaving important initiatives unfinished.
Handling a crisis
In his final talk, Vaughan addressed the pressures of leadership during times of national crisis, reflecting on his tenure as Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services during the COVID-19 pandemic. He described the intensity of decision-making under scrutiny, the weight of responsibility, and the influence of public opinion. He spoke openly about the scrutiny he faced from the media during the time, exposing students to the harsh realities of working in public office.