MARK Drakeford's inaugural First Minister's Questions since taking over from Carwyn Jones last month could finally bring some clarity on the status of the M4 relief road project.

Mr Jones had previously said he hoped to make a decision on the long-awaited scheme before he left office once the report of the public inquiry scheme had been put before AMs.

But, as time leading up to Mr Jones' final day as first minister on Tuesday, December 11, grew short, it became clear it would not be possible for him to scrutinise the report and make a decision before he stepped down.

The decision was therefore left to Mr Jones' successor Mark Drakeford, who is expected to give it the green light or throw it out early this year. But, with Mr Drakeford believed to be largely sceptical towards the project, some have suggested this could mean the long-awaited scheme is dead.

And the inaugural First Minister's Questions of 2019 on Tuesday - also Mr Drakeford's first session in the top job - could bring some clarity, with South Wales East AM Mark Reckless due to quiz Mr Drakeford on the future of the scheme.

Mr Reckless, who is a member of Welsh Assembly’s Conservative group, will ask: “Will the first minister make a statement on current Welsh Government policy on the M4 relief road?”

All proceedings in the Senedd are streamed live at senedd.tv