Carwyn Jones: Wales first minister to resign in autumn after 'darkest of times'

Leader thanks his family for support and admits he has 'asked too much of them'

First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones (PA)

Carwyn Jones, the first minister of Wales, is to stand down later this year.

He made the bombshell announcement at the Welsh Labour party conference in Llandudno on Saturday.

The decision – which took both political friends and foes by surprise – brings to an end Mr Jones’ nine-year tenure as leader of the Welsh Assembly government.

Tributes have since poured in with Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberavon, labelling Mr Jones “a giant of Welsh politics”.

The decision comes months after Mr Jones referred himself to an independent inquiry over allegations of bullying at a senior level of the Welsh government three years ago, following the death of assembly member Carl Sargeant in November.

Former minister Leighton Andrews has said that Mr Sargeant, who is believed to have taken his own life four days after being removed from his role as cabinet secretary for communities and children while facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, was “unquestionably the target” of some of the behaviour and “toxic” atmosphere.

Mr Jones previously told assembly members that any issues brought to his attention at that time were dealt with, but leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies suggested Mr Jones may have “misled assembly members” over his knowledge of bullying in the Welsh government.

Mr Jones acknowledged experiencing “the darkest of times” in recent months, and thanked his children and wife Lisa – who he said had been seriously ill in the run-up to conference – for their support.

Following Mr Jones announcement, Jack Sargeant, who took his father’s Alyn and Desside seat in the Welsh Assembly, said: “Nothing changes. The enquiries are still relevant and should continue.”

The conference reacted in shock as it became clear Mr Jones was announcing his resignation.

He said: “In any normal political career, you expect to be put through the ringer, and even have your integrity challenged.

“I don’t think anyone can know what these last few months have been like. No-one that is, apart from Lisa and the kids.

“They have carried me through the darkest of times. I have asked too much of them, and it is time for me to think about what’s fair for them.

“And so, this will be the last Welsh Labour conference I address as party leader.

“I intend – as I’ve always maintained – to be here to give every answer to every question. But I intend to stand down in the autumn, allowing for a new first minister to take their place by the end of this year.

“At that point it will make sense to have a fresh start. For my family, for my party and for my country.”

He added: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together so far. The election victories. The landmark legislation. A better deal for nurses, for students and our businesses. Putting Wales on the map.”

He will stand down in December.

Jack Sargeant at the Welsh Assembly by-election count (PA)

At the end of his speech, he received a standing ovation, the BBC reported.

Reacting to the announcement, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “I would like to thank Carwyn Jones for his service as leader of Welsh Labour and first minister of Wales.

“Carwyn has led Welsh Labour to achieve unprecedented electoral success, forming two Labour Welsh Assembly governments.

“Over the last nine years he has stood up to Tory austerity and stood up for the people of Wales as a strong voice for devolution and democracy.”

Welsh Secretary Christina Rees said: “Carwyn’s contribution to both Welsh Labour and Welsh public life has been immense. His government has improved the life chances of people across our country, and as his speech today showed, continues to deliver for those people who need us most.”

Political opponents also offered praise.

Mr Davies said: “Whilst we have spent many years on opposite sides of the political divide, you have to recognise Carwyn’s significant contribution to public life in Wales, and the huge achievement of serving his country at the highest level for so long.”

And Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood offered congratulated on spending nine years in the top job. But she added: “Wales needs more than a change of leader. We need a new government with the ideas, the values and the drive to build our nation into the successful country we know it could be.”

Earlier on Saturday, Swansea East MP Carolyn Harris was elected as the party’s first deputy leader.

Additional reporting by agencies