Carwyn speaks of ‘sadness and pride’ in his final speech
CARWYN Jones yesterday spoke of his “sadness” and “pride” in his final statement as First Minister.
Mr Jones, who has led the Welsh Government for nine years, tendered his resignation to the Queen yesterday afternoon paving the way for new Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford to take his place today.
In his final speech at the Senedd, the First Minister said it had been a “privilege” to follow predecessor Rhodri Morgan, and defended his government’s record following attacks from “London’s media”.
But there was no mention about the death of cabinet secretary Carl Sargeant, whose son, Jack Sargeant AM, refused to join in with applause for the outgoing Welsh leader.
In his final statement to assembly members Mr Jones said: “As I prepare to hand over the reins, the feelings are bittersweet.
“Sadness in standing down, combined with pride in the work that has been achieved.
“It has been a huge privilege to serve Wales in this job, and to be at the helm in a time of great challenge, a crucial time in our nation’s history.
“The post I hold has changed considerably since I took it on in 2009, and so has the world around us.
“Perhaps more importantly, the National Assembly and the Welsh Government are very different organisations too, with more powers, more levers and higher expectations of delivery.
“With these new tools, we have achieved a great deal, even in these toughest of times.
“Devolution is now established, not just in law, not just in fact, but now in the hearts of the people of Wales.”
Mr Jones said reduced budgets and benefit cuts from Westminster along with the issues of Brexit had been his greatest challenges in power, but said the Welsh government had still managed to deliver for the “dominant issues” including the Welsh NHS.
He pointed to 118 extra schools being built during his time, more people in work, record inward investment, and more people surviving cancer than ever before.
He also referenced Wales being the first UK nation to introduce deemed consent for organ donation, abolishing child burial fees, and its ranking as second in the world for recycling household waste.
Mr Jones, who will now return to the backbenches in his role as AM for Bridgend, called attacks on the Welsh NHS from England “grossly unfair”, adding: “We responded with calm dignity and we backed our hard working doctors and nurses, not just with extra money, but with something of even greater value, respect.
“We made policy for Wales, not for London’s media.”
He added: “Our growing confidence and self-belief, as a Government, as a country, has come even in the face of a savage decade of austerity. But, none of these policies and achievements exist in isolation from the other.
“They all, to my mind, add up to something I will always want for Wales. Fairness and hope.”
Mr Jones ended his speech by praising new Welsh Labour leader Mr Drakeford, who is expected to replace him following a vote in the Senedd today.
Mr Jones said: “Mark is someone who can effortlessly match both principles and pragmatism, and I have no doubt at all that he will make a superb first minister of Wales.”
The First Minister received a standing ovation, although two Labour colleagues did not join in.
Jenny Rathbone AM, who has been suspended from the Assembly’s Labour group following comments made about Jewish people, did not stand for the applause, and neither did Jack Sargeant.
On Monday Mr Sargeant criticised speculation that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is to nominate Mr Jones for a seat in the House of Lords while questions surrounding his father’s sacking and subsequent death four days later remained unanswered.
Mr Sargeant said: “Nothing could be more distressing for the family and friends of Carl to know that such an accolade could be bestowed when there are so many unanswered questions regarding the First Minister’s conduct.
“It would be a real slap in the face to those of us already suffering Carl’s loss. If Jeremy Corbyn gives the nod to Carwyn Jones to go into the House of Lords, we will be distraught.” Carwyn Jones receiving applause before stepping down as First Minister yesterday
■■Andrew RT Davies, former Conservative group leader: “You have public service running through your veins, without a shadow of a doubt. ” ■■Gareth Bennett, Ukip group leader: “You’ve also shown a great deal of stamina in remaining in office for so long... I wish you well, First Minister on behalf of both myself and the UKIP group.”
■■Adam Price, Plaid Cymru leader: “At the dispatch box in this Chamber, as you’ve already alluded to, you’ve generally sustained, Amman Valley passion notwithstanding, a quiet dignity, if I may say, in your dealings with colleagues.”
■■Leanne Wood, former Plaid Cymru leader: “I know you to be genuine about wanting to create a Wales where people do not suffer from discrimination. Whether that be putting the far right in their place on the question of racism and division or whether it be on the question of women’s rights, you’ve taken a principled and ethical approach and I believe that you deserve recognition for that.”