I would like to welcome a new Member this afternoon, Delyth Jewell, who is the new Member for the South Wales East region. We look forward very much to your contributions here in the Senedd, on behalf of the people of south-east Wales, and all the people of Wales. I call on Delyth Jewell to say a few words. [Applause.]

Diolch, Llywydd.

'All I have, I would have given gladly not to be standing here today.'

Not my words, but those of President Johnson to Congress when he had taken over from that other statesman, Kennedy. 'All I have'—I do not quote these words out of a lack of gratitude in coming to this seat, nor indeed from a lack of determination to do the best I can, but rather I quote them in a sense of profound sadness at the loss of my friend. That loss is something that unites us.

Wales is in mourning. Gwent is in mourning, for what Gerallt described as 'Y gwrol un a gâr wlad', in reference to that other man on the horizon—Saunders. The sheer scale of this loss is difficult to put into words. Steffan was so proud that he was from south-east Wales, the area of Dic Penderyn, S.O. Davies, Phil Williams. Now, Steffan stands shoulder to shoulder with those giants, and we follow in their footsteps and urge them to reach out to us and to place us on their shoulders.

In preparing for this address, I thought about the hours I spent with Steffan on a sponsored walk across South Wales East in 2016, and about that wonderful walk organised by his sister, Nia, and Rhuanedd, last year. Steffan brought people together always. Not just a giant, but also a friend.

I've spoken about giants and I think it's fitting because this place has always seemed like a place of magic to me. Things come into being here that didn't exist before—yes, laws, but also ideas, alliances. It's long been a dream of mine to be here, not ever in these circumstances, but a dream all the same. Yeats taught me that in dreams begin responsibilities. I have a responsibility to the people of South Wales East to do the best I can, to my party and group, and I have a responsibility to Steffan. I do not bear it lightly. I know I must give all I have for him. I know that, no matter where in this Chamber I sit, many of you will think of me as being in Steffan's place, and I don't mind that. In fact, I will consider it an honour. For although I am this Chamber's newest member, in Steffan's place, I've been given the best seat in the house. 

I am in Steffan's place, but I will never replace him. I hope you will let me share it with him. Diolch. [Applause.]