The Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has resigned, five years to the day when he was first elected and the Welsh Labour leader.
Drakeford who turns 70, next September said that he will not be standing at the next election and will step aside.
His replacement will be announced in Easter and nominations to find his successor will open soon, Drakeford said that it has been a “huge privilege” to guide his party.
Drakeford said, “I have also had the enormous fortune to have played a part in Welsh politics during the first quarter century of devolution.
“Now it is time to look forward to the next five years across the UK and to the next 25 years of devolution in Wales.”
He hopes that his new successor will “work with a newly-elected Labour government in London,” next year after the general election.
Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said that Drakeford had “epitomised public service and public duty throughout his time as first minister.”
“His remarkable stewardship of Wales through the horror of the pandemic being the most obvious example,” she added.
“As Mark ends his term as Welsh Labour leader, I thank him for his leadership, his friendship and his outstanding contribution to Wales.”
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, the largest opposition party in the Senedd, said, “While we may have different visions for Wales, I know I’m joined by colleagues in holding a huge amount of respect for his dedication to the job of first minister.
“It’s important, however, with this announcement that there is no distraction from the really important job of delivering for the people of Wales.”
