2. Statement by the First Minister: Resignation Statement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:58 pm on 11 December 2018.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 2:58, 11 December 2018

—I did find Carwyn keen to demonstrate his knowledge when it came to the opportunity to take part in a quiz. And I think that was partly because Carwyn certainly possesses considerable general knowledge and, in fact, was the star of our quiz team. We tied for first place in the competition, Llywydd, and when it then came to the tie-break, Carwyn was very keen to demonstrate his knowledge further and be the member of our team that went up onto the stage for the tie-breaker. Unfortunately, and unexpectedly, it wasn't a tie-break question, but a dance-off. [Laughter.] Llywydd, I won't go any further than saying I don't think that Carwyn's dancing abilities quite match his general knowledge and his prowess at quizzes.

But, in any event, very early on, Llywydd, Carwyn took a Cabinet post and took Wales through that terrible crisis of foot and mouth, which, again, many of us will remember very well—the searing difficulty that that brought to our rural communities and Wales as a whole, and it was Carwyn's early responsibility, early in his time in the Cabinet, to take Wales through that. That was a major challenge and, again, it's a tribute to the mettle of Carwyn that he was able to meet that challenge and guide Wales through that time of terrible crisis. And when Carwyn became First Minister, it was a great privilege for me to serve in Government with Carwyn and have the opportunity, as I said earlier, to take forward legislation such as the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013. 

Llywydd, I think it's fair to say, as others have mentioned, and Carwyn indeed himself mentioned, Carwyn has built on the firm foundations of Rhodri Morgan. And both of them, I believe, are quite similar in many ways in terms of their passion for Wales and devolution, their passion for rugby and sport in general, their commitment to the job of leading Wales and fulfilling the role of First Minister. And I think it's a tribute to both of them that they were both widely respected in Wales and referred to by their first names, their Christian names, which I think speaks volumes in terms of the affection and the respect that they are held in by the people of Wales.

Llywydd, Carwyn's place in the progressive history of Wales and the UK is secure, and I know all of us here today will wish Carwyn the very best for the future and also his wife Lisa, their children and his father Caron. Diolch yn fawr, Carwyn. [Applause.]