3. Nomination of the First Minister under Standing Order 8

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:51 pm on 12 May 2021.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 4:51, 12 May 2021

Llywydd, on all these matters, and others too, this will be a Government that listens and will work collaboratively with others where there is common ground to be found between us. And that determination to work with others extends beyond this Chamber, of course—to our partners in the public, private and third sectors across Wales, to communities and to people across our nation. We will deepen the social partnership we have developed over the last two decades by putting it into law, and use it to focus on recovery and the work we need to do to make Wales a place truly fit for future generations. And we will work in partnership with other Governments too, across the United Kingdom, wherever those relationships are conducted with parity of esteem and respect.

Llywydd, it's my job to stand up for Wales, and I will never stand back from doing so when the need arises, but my starting point will be to lead a Government that is constructive, engaged and a positive partner in meeting those challenges that don't and never have ended at our borders. And at all times, of course, I will be accountable to this Senedd and, through all of you, to the people of Wales. 

Llywydd, we are very fortunate, I believe, in this sixth Senedd, that, as you yourself said earlier, people in Wales have chosen to return Members here who this time share at least one fundamental thing in common, above all other things, and across all party divides. Everyone here, I believe, has a shared commitment to changing people's lives for the better, to realise the potential of this wonderful and unique nation, and to use this institution as a way of making sure that decisions that affect only people in Wales are made only by people who live in Wales. I look forward to working with you all over the five years that lie ahead. Diolch yn fawr.