Carwyn Jones to stand down as first minister and Welsh Labour leader

Mr Jones, who has been first minister since 2009, made the shock announcement at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno this afternoon.

Mr Jones said he would stand down in the autumn, allowing for a new first minister to be in place by the end of the year.

Making the announcement, Mr Jones said the demands of his job had not always been fair on his wife and children, particularly over the past few months.

“In any normal political career, you expect to be put through the ringer, and even have your integrity challenged," he said.

“I don’t think anyone can know what these last few months have been like.

“No-one that is, apart from Lisa and the kids.

“They have carried me through the darkest of times. I have asked too much of them, and it is time for me to think about what’s fair for them.

“And so, this will be the last Welsh Labour conference I address as party leader.

“I intend – as I’ve always maintained – to be here to give every answer to every question. But I intend to stand down in the autumn, allowing for a new first minister to take place by the end of this year. 

“At that point it will make sense to have a fresh start. For my family, for my party and for my country.”

He added: “I want to thank you all – but most especially my Assembly colleagues – for the support you have shown me.

“Our togetherness has been political kryptonite to the opposition in Wales, and your support for me through this period has been more than any leader could ask for, its more than any friend could ask for. “

He also paid tribute to his children, saying “sorry for all the times I wasn’t there and all the things I missed”, and his wife Lisa, who he called “my friend, companion and my wife”.

“And to you, my Labour family. Thanks for all your support. Without the doors you knock, without the leaflets you deliver, without the work you do in your communities I know I wouldn’t have been given this opportunity.

“And so, conference, from me goodbye, and thanks.

“Wales for ever, Welsh Labour forever.”

Writing on Twitter, leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies paid tribute to the first minister, saying: "We’ve entered public life from different political perspectives, exchanging many blows over the years!

"Such significant service in Wales’ highest public office will have had a huge impact on both him and his family.

"I wish @AMCarwyn and family the very best for what lies ahead."

His announcement came just hours after Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris was elected as the party’s first deputy leader.

She said: “Carwyn is a towering figure in Welsh politics and has played a huge role in turning Welsh Labour into the campaigning force that it is today.

“As Welsh Labour leader and First Minister for almost a decade, he has led both our Party and our country with passion, commitment and integrity.

 “I know his commitment to Wales and to Welsh Labour will remain as burning as ever, and I will be working with him in the months ahead to ensure Welsh Labour keeps delivering for Wales.”

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said: "I congratulate Carwyn Jones on his nine years as First Minister of Wales and wish him and his family the best for the future.

"Wales needs more than a change of leader. We need a new government with the ideas, the values and the drive to build our nation into the successful country we know it could be. Wales can and must be better than this - rearranging the deckchairs will not deliver the change we need."

And Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who will speak at the conference tomorrow, said: "I would like to thank Carwyn Jones for his service as leader of Welsh Labour and first minister of Wales.

"Carwyn has led Welsh Labour to achieve unprecedented electoral success, forming two Labour Welsh Assembly governments.

"Over the last nine years he has stood up to Tory austerity and stood up for the people of Wales as a strong voice for devolution and democracy.

"In the face of the Conservatives' cuts from Westminster, his government has invested in jobs and infrastructure through the National Development Bank for Wales, protected free school meals and free prescriptions.

"Welsh Labour introduced an organ donation opt-out law and children's burial fund, paving the way for their introduction across the UK.

"Carwyn has been a staunch advocate of a jobs-first Brexit which works for Wales, including continued membership of a customs union.

"I pay tribute to Carwyn for his tireless commitment to making Wales a more equal country which works for the many, not the few."

It is understood Mr Jones will remain as AM for Bridgend.

Writing on Twitter, Newport West MP Paul Flynn said: "Wales and the Labour Party have greatly benefited from leaders Rhodri and Carwyn and avoided the fate of Labour in Scotland.

"Two leaders of vision, intelligence and compassionate authority."

Also writing on Twitter, Torfaen MP Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "Thank you to @AMCarwyn @fmwales for his many years of distinguished public service, including those in Wales’ highest political office.

"I send my best wishes to him and his family for the future as he announces he is standing down as Leader of @WelshLabour in the autumn.

"On a personal note, can I thank @AMCarwyn for all the times he has supported me and joined @Torfaen_Labour campaigning in our valley in so many different elections over the years."

And, also writing on Twitter, Conservative Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay said: "Fully understand his reasons.

"Speaking personally, Carwyn has always been a source of help & advice when I needed it most & I will always be grateful to him for that."

Shadow Welsh secretary Christina Rees said: “Carwyn’s contribution to both Welsh Labour and Welsh public life has been immense.

“His government has improved the life chances of people across our country, and as his speech today showed, continues to deliver for those people who need us most.

“Wales - and Welsh Labour - owes him a debt of gratitude for his selfless service. I have been proud to work alongside him, and am proud to call him a friend.”

And Welsh Labour's executive committee chairman Mike Payne said: “Carwyn’s leadership over so many years has been exceptional.

“When the General Election was sprung on us last year, we asked a huge amount of him – and he delivered. We asked him to take the fight to the Tories for us – and he did.

“Welsh Labour is incredibly grateful for the hard work, the leadership and the fair deal Carwyn has delivered for people in Wales for the past nine years.

“It has been a great honour to work with Carwyn and to serve alongside him. On behalf of the Welsh Labour family – Thank You, Carwyn.”

And a statement from the Welsh Liberal Democrats said: "The first minister should be applauded for his long record of public service to Wales.

"As one of the original Assembly Members and first minister for almost 10 years, Carwyn Jones has served with dedication and left his mark on Wales. We wish him the best for the future."

And, writing on Twitter, former Welsh Government minister Leighton Andrews said: "These last five plus months have been very difficult, and there are still unanswered questions which the Bowen inquiry will investigate, but it is important to recognise the many significant achievements during Carwyn’s period as first minister."