Rhodri Morgan to step down as First Minister

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has announced he is stepping down as Labour’s leader in Wales in December.

He said:

“It is never a right time to go but this is the nearest in terms of good governance, combating swine flu, ‘settling’ the budget, and combating the recession. I have loved this job for the past nine-and-a-half years, I still love this job.”

Morgan, who succeeded Alun Michael as first minister in 2000, heads the assembly government, which has seen Labour in coalition with Plaid Cymru since the 2007 election.

Gordon Brown said:

“I think all of us who know Rhodri understand his devotion and passion for serving the people of Wales. For a decade he has led Wales with boundless energy and commitment – improving the public services, economy and prospects of people across Wales. It is in no small part because of Rhodri’s leadership that devolution to Wales continues to be so successful. He has been a great support to me and will depart with my very grateful thanks and that of the whole Cabinet and Labour Party.”

Some of Morgan’s huge achievements as Labour leader in the Welsh Assembly can be read here.