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| Jones nominated as first minister | Jones nominated as first minister |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| AMs have nominated new Welsh Labour leader Carwyn Jones to succeed Rhodri Morgan as first minister of Wales. | AMs have nominated new Welsh Labour leader Carwyn Jones to succeed Rhodri Morgan as first minister of Wales. |
| He was proposed by Mr Morgan, who has left for the back benches after nearly a decade in the post. | He was proposed by Mr Morgan, who has left for the back benches after nearly a decade in the post. |
| Mr Jones admitted there were difficult economic times ahead but said Wales would be in a strong position to benefit from the recovery when it came. | |
| The Queen has been asked to confirm his appointment, to allow Mr Jones to be sworn in by a senior judge on Thursday. | |
| Mr Morgan's resignation, via e-mail, was formally accepted by the Queen a few hours before AMs voted to install Mr Jones in the top job in Welsh politics. | |
| Mr Jones promised to honour the commitments in Labour's coalition agreement with Plaid Cymru. | |
| "I look forward to working with colleagues on this side of the chamber and indeed on the side opposite," he said. | |
| "There will be times when I look forward to being tested by colleagues opposite and that, of course, is essential in any vibrant democracy. | |
| "There is no doubt there will still be occasions in the future when there will be difficult times ahead both for politicians and politics and indeed for Wales.... I also look to see the assembly grow." | |
| 'Vocal' | |
| Mr Jones praised Mr Morgan, describing him as "an extremely hard act to follow". | |
| "It will take some getting used to to think of Rhodri as a back-bencher," he said | |
| "He built his political reputation on being a very vocal back bencher (as an MP) and wasn't afraid to criticise the government in years gone by. | |
| "I hope, of course, that's something he doesn't repeat in the future," he joked. | |
| "I know that Rhodri will continue to play a very prominent part in this assembly - between now and the assembly elections and indeed beyond that," Mr Jones added. | |
| Deputy First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "I look forward to renewing our relationship with you in a different role to ensure that between now and the 2011 (assembly) election that we cooperate and collaborate for the benefit of the people of Wales." | |
| Welsh Conservative leader Nick Bourne said he did not doubt Carwyn Jones's "personal and political commitment to the job in hand, and to serving Wales". | |
| Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams wished the first minister-elect and his family "a peaceful and restful Christmas and look forward to the challenges of the new year". | |
| Carwyn Jones, a barrister by profession, is the AM for Bridgend and has held the posts of rural affairs minister and consul-general in Mr Morgan's administration. | |
| He has pledged to increase spending on education, describing it as the route out of poverty. | He has pledged to increase spending on education, describing it as the route out of poverty. |
| Live coverage of the Welsh Assembly | Live coverage of the Welsh Assembly |
| He also hopes to end "perceptions of isolation" in west and north Wales. | He also hopes to end "perceptions of isolation" in west and north Wales. |
| As Mr Morgan's resignation has been formally accepted, most special advisers have ceased to hold office, but ministers retain their jobs until an announcement on a new cabinet is made, expected on Thursday or Friday. | As Mr Morgan's resignation has been formally accepted, most special advisers have ceased to hold office, but ministers retain their jobs until an announcement on a new cabinet is made, expected on Thursday or Friday. |
| Following Mr Morgan's official announcement of his resignation during first minister's questions on Tuesday, leading politicians paid tribute to his achievements in office. | Following Mr Morgan's official announcement of his resignation during first minister's questions on Tuesday, leading politicians paid tribute to his achievements in office. |
| Presiding officer Lord Elis Thomas said Mr Morgan had held the trust of the Welsh people and brought "dignity and your unique trait to the office". | Presiding officer Lord Elis Thomas said Mr Morgan had held the trust of the Welsh people and brought "dignity and your unique trait to the office". |
| Deputy First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said he had shown "great integrity", adding: "There's no doubt his contribution will be recognised by the history books." | Deputy First Minister and Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said he had shown "great integrity", adding: "There's no doubt his contribution will be recognised by the history books." |
| Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams said: "His commitment to Welsh society and political life cannot be questioned." | Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams said: "His commitment to Welsh society and political life cannot be questioned." |
| Nick Bourne, Welsh Conservatives leader, praised Mr Morgan on his "outstanding contribution to Welsh life" and said he looked forward to his sizeable contributions from the back benches. | Nick Bourne, Welsh Conservatives leader, praised Mr Morgan on his "outstanding contribution to Welsh life" and said he looked forward to his sizeable contributions from the back benches. |
| Mr Morgan said his time in power had elapsed "in the blinking of an eye" but it was "time to hand the baton to my successor". | Mr Morgan said his time in power had elapsed "in the blinking of an eye" but it was "time to hand the baton to my successor". |