A government minister in Wales has been caught swearing at his colleague during a Zoom meeting after accidentally leaving his microphone on.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething was heard saying "what the f--- is the matter with her", referring to Cardiff Central assembly member Jenny Rathbone.

She had been asking questions about the Welsh government's response to the coronavirus pandemic during the virtual meeting.

Mr Gething had left his microphone unmuted when he made the comment, which immediately drew varied responses from the rest of the assembly.

Welsh minister Vaughan Gething was caught swearing at his colleague during a Zoom meeting on Wednesday. (Zoom)

Some could be seen laughing while Mr Gething continued talking, seemingly unaware his microphone was on.

Others appeared visibly shocked by his comment.

Presiding officer Elin Jones said, "I think Vaughan Gething needs to turn his microphone off. Vaughan Gething needs to turn his microphone off", before the meeting was paused.

Mr Gething has since apologised to Ms Rathbone, writing 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".

But some within the opposition have called for him to be sacked.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said: "The Welsh Health Minister aggressively attacking his own party colleague who was raising legitimate concerns raised by a Welsh Nobel Prize winner shows why he is not the man for this vital job.

"To maintain public confidence he surely has to go.

"The swearing is forgivable, what isn't is the utter contempt which the Health Minister has shown towards scrutiny."

The leader of the Welsh Conservative Party Paul Davies said on Twitter: "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.