Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford has introduced his resignation.
Mr Drakeford made the announcement within the Senedd on Wednesday morning – 5 years to the day since he was first elected as chief of Welsh Labour.
He had already indicated he would step apart in the course of the present Senedd time period and that he would not be standing as a member on the subsequent election.
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Mr Drakeford, who turns 70 subsequent September, has been the member of the Senedd for Cardiff West since 2011.
His resignation comes a day after he launched a ministerial code probe into one among his authorities ministers at her request.
Having resigned as Labour chief, he’ll formally stand down as first minister in March.
His successor as first minister can be introduced by the Easter recess.
In an announcement within the members’ balcony, Mr Drakeford mentioned nominations to elect his successor would open shortly.
He mentioned it had been a “huge privilege” to guide his celebration and the Welsh authorities.
“I have also had the enormous fortune to have played a part in Welsh politics during the first quarter century of devolution,” he mentioned.
“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 mentioned he hoped his successor would have the chance to “work with a newly elected Labour government in London”.
Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, mentioned Mr 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 biggest opposition celebration within the Senedd, despatched his nicely needs to Mr Drakeford.
“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,” mentioned Andrew RT Davies.
“It’s important, however, with this announcement that there is no distraction from the really important job of delivering for the people of Wales.”
Wales Secretary, David TC Davies, mentioned Mr Drakeford “served Wales through some challenging times”.
“I wish him all the best in his retirement and look forward to working together with his successor,” he added.
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Rhun ap Iorwerth, chief of Plaid Cymru, which is a part of a cooperation settlement with the Labour authorities in Cardiff, paid tribute to the “tone of his leadership through the pandemic”.
“When he took office, the first minister spoke of the opportunities that came with the position of leading the Welsh government,” he mentioned.
“Regrettably, those opportunities have been squandered, resulting in longer waiting lists, falling educational standards and a stagnant economy.”
Source: information.sky.com”