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Morgan stepping down as leader Morgan is stepping down as leader
(10 minutes later)
First Minister Rhodri Morgan has announced he is stepping down as Labour's top man in Wales.First Minister Rhodri Morgan has announced he is stepping down as Labour's top man in Wales.
His announcement signals the end of a decade at the top of Welsh politics for Mr Morgan, who turned 70 this week. His decision signals the end of a decade at the top of Welsh politics for Mr Morgan, who turned 70 this week.
Mr Morgan said he had "loved this job" but said "10 years was about right" and it was time to give up while he still able to enjoy it.Mr Morgan said he had "loved this job" but said "10 years was about right" and it was time to give up while he still able to enjoy it.
Labour assembly members were invited to a lunchtime meeting in Cardiff of the party's management committee in Wales.Labour assembly members were invited to a lunchtime meeting in Cardiff of the party's management committee in Wales.
Two days after his birthday, Mr Morgan fired the starting gun in the race for his successor. Two days after celebrating his 70th birthday with a cake at his office in Cardiff, Mr Morgan fired the starting gun in the race for his successor.
Mr Morgan arrived for the meeting just after 1230 BST and a formal announcement was made afterwards. Mr Morgan arrived for the meeting with his party's AMs just after 1230 BST and a formal announcement was made afterwards.
The timetable of his departure is understood to centre on discussions on the assembly government later this year. The timetable of his departure centres on discussions on the assembly government later this year.
On 8 December, the budget for 2010-2011 is due to be voted on by AMs and it is thought Mr Morgan wants to stay in post until that date. On 8 December, the budget for 2010-2011 is due to be voted on by AMs and Mr Morgan wanted to stay in post until that date.
Rhodri Morgan celebrated his 70th birthday this week with a cake Morgan's bumpy path to the top A steadied ship or a missed boat? Betsan's blog: Morgan's 'remarkable' popularityRhodri Morgan celebrated his 70th birthday this week with a cake Morgan's bumpy path to the top A steadied ship or a missed boat? Betsan's blog: Morgan's 'remarkable' popularity
Welsh Secretary Peter Hain said in tribute: "Rhodri is a great Welsh political leader with a unique popular touch.Welsh Secretary Peter Hain said in tribute: "Rhodri is a great Welsh political leader with a unique popular touch.
"Admired and respected for his courageous, intelligent and sometimes quirky leadership, he has the rare ability to be equally at home whether it be meeting world leaders or talking rugby over a pint in a pub.""Admired and respected for his courageous, intelligent and sometimes quirky leadership, he has the rare ability to be equally at home whether it be meeting world leaders or talking rugby over a pint in a pub."
"A passionate Welshman, but also a passionate Briton," he said."A passionate Welshman, but also a passionate Briton," he said.
"Rhodri will depart at the top of his game, leaving big shoes to fill as the father of Welsh devolution.""Rhodri will depart at the top of his game, leaving big shoes to fill as the father of Welsh devolution."
He had addressed the Labour conference in Brighton on Sunday saying his leadership "does not have long to run", but he would give further details "before too long".He had addressed the Labour conference in Brighton on Sunday saying his leadership "does not have long to run", but he would give further details "before too long".
A letter to Labour's AMs in the assembly from Chris Roberts, the general secretary of Welsh Labour, invites them to a special meeting of its Welsh executive committee at lunch time.A letter to Labour's AMs in the assembly from Chris Roberts, the general secretary of Welsh Labour, invites them to a special meeting of its Welsh executive committee at lunch time.
It is widely expected the contenders to take over as first minister and leader of the Labour group in the assembly will include three leading AMs - Counsel General Carwyn Jones, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney AM Huw Lewis, and Health Minister Edwina Hart.It is widely expected the contenders to take over as first minister and leader of the Labour group in the assembly will include three leading AMs - Counsel General Carwyn Jones, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney AM Huw Lewis, and Health Minister Edwina Hart.
Mr Morgan was presented with a cake at his offices in the Welsh Assembly Government to mark his 70th birthday on Tuesday. At his birthday cake presentation, Mr Morgan reflected on the 10 years since his 60th birthday and said his enthusiasm for devolution was "undimmed".
He reflected on the 10 years since his 60th birthday and said his enthusiasm for devolution was "undimmed".
The Conservative leader in the assembly Nick Bourne called for a quick resolution of the battle to succeed Mr Morgan.The Conservative leader in the assembly Nick Bourne called for a quick resolution of the battle to succeed Mr Morgan.
"No-one can question his commitment to Wales and the assembly during his 10 years as First Minister, or the important role he has played in Welsh political life," said Mr Bourne."No-one can question his commitment to Wales and the assembly during his 10 years as First Minister, or the important role he has played in Welsh political life," said Mr Bourne.
"What is important now is that at a time of economic crisis the assembly has leadership, vision, and direction.""What is important now is that at a time of economic crisis the assembly has leadership, vision, and direction."