In my tribute, I want to share my memories of Carl as a man who was witty, loving, lovable, deeply principled and a good friend, comrade and ministerial colleague. The impact he had as a Minister and Cabinet Secretary is on record and is shared here this afternoon, and I want to add my tribute from my experience.

Carl was appointed Minister for Social Justice and Local Government just before the coalition cuts started to impact on our budgets. He was wholly committed to local government, social justice, housing, regeneration and transport—all the briefs he held during those difficult times for public finances. As Finance Minister, I wanted to work with him to help him achieve what he wanted, and he wanted more money for social housing. It's that sort of ministerial partnership that is the most rewarding. I backed him; we got the money out when we could in difficult times, providing homes for those most in need. He said, 'Thank you, Jane.' I said, 'Thank you, Carl.' 

I also want to say something about Carl as Chief Whip. Others have commented on this. He reigned—I think that's the expression. He reigned as Chief Whip, with humour, intelligence and tact. Being Chief Whip got into his blood so that I could always rely on him to back me up when I took on that role. He was always Chief Whip even when he was doing all these other ministerial roles. And if you recall, across this Chamber, he was always ready to shout 'Object' when he feared I wasn't on the ball—[Laughter.]—or my voice was a bit timid. That was, of course, at the end of a debate that we would be amending or opposing as a Government—a crucial role he played.

But I also bring memories shared by constituents in the Vale of Glamorgan. Kay Quinn reminded me of Carl's visit to Atal y Fro in Barry, showing his formidable leadership in tackling domestic abuse and violence against women. The response from BAWSO last week, from Mutale Merrill, was:

'We have lost a champion.'

He came to Barry to help move forward the regeneration that has made such an impact on our town, and he was warmly welcomed when he launched the housing refurbishment in Gibbonsdown that has transformed the lives of people living on that estate.

On the campaigning level, I remember walking across the cliffs at Nash Point with Carl on a freezing February day during the 2015 general election campaign, when he announced a moratorium on fracking as Minister for environment. He made that decision, and immediately wrote to all local authorities with his instructions—a Minister who meant what he said and delivered on it.

Thank you, Carl, as we remember you, beloved by your family, to whom we express our deepest sympathies today, this afternoon, loved and respected by us all here today, a man and a Minister who served Wales so well, greatly admired and greatly missed.