I think it's fair to say we've all seen exponential development and growth in devolution and, indeed, in Wales as a country since 1999, and we are now a Parliament in all but name and, hopefully, that name will soon follow. And the depth and breadth of our responsibilities, and the tools that we now have to do a job for the people of Wales, for our communities are much bigger than they were, and I believe they are being used to good effect.

Over that time, Llywydd, we've progressed from the Egyptian potato blight regulations to those arcane creatures, LCOs—legislative consent Orders—and Assembly Measures, and now to Acts. And, do you know, we've seen some really significant, important Acts, I believe, really delivering in terms of the use of those powers for the people of Wales: the well-being of future generations Act, the environment Act, the social services and well-being Act, the organ donation legislation, and, I would say, the active travel Act, which I was privileged to have a part in when I was in Government. So, we have come a long way. For nine years of that time, during that time of development and growth, better and more effective delivery for Wales, Carwyn has led Welsh Government and led our country, and led that building of devolution in Wales, in the referendum as was mentioned earlier and generally, and led on the actual implementation and use of those powers, which, obviously, is absolutely crucial.

It's been a tremendous opportunity for Carwyn, and a tremendous responsibility, privilege and honour, and one that I know he is very conscious and always has been very aware of and all that those responsibilities bring. I believe Carwyn has fulfilled those responsibilities, Llywydd, with commitment, dedication, ability and stature, and that's a fabulous tribute to the man.

At the start of the Assembly, Llywydd, I and Alun Pugh, who represented Clwyd West at the time, quickly became good friends, the three of us, and I think it's fair to say that it was clear to Alun and I that Carwyn had strong leadership qualities. I think, even back then, that was recognised not only by us, but across the parties in the Assembly at the time, across Assembly Members, in the media and more widely. I found out about those leadership qualities to my cost early on when I contested with Carwyn the prestigious position of chair of the South East Wales Regional Committee. [Laughter.] That was an early advancement for Carwyn, but it didn't sully our friendship in any way.

But, outside the Assembly, Llywydd, my efforts to enlist Carwyn in the Assembly football and cricket teams were met with limited enthusiasm, I think it's fair to say, although Carwyn did play and did take part. And whilst sometimes effective—[Laughter.]—