����ý

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has resigned.

Mr Drakeford announced that he will also be standing down as Welsh Labour leader and a leadership contest for a new first minister will be held.

A new party leader in Wales will be elected before Easter, Mr Drakeford said in a statement adding that he will remain in position as first minister until his replacement is picked by his party.

He had planned to stand down in 2024 but the timing of his announcement was a surprise.

Mark Drakeford became first minister exactly five years and one day ago.

When I stood for the leadership, I said that, if elected, I would serve for five years. Exactly five years have passed since I was confirmed as first minister in 2018," he said, adding that it had been a "huge privilege to lead both the Welsh Labour Party and the Welsh government".

What has been the reaction?

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "I wish Mark Drakeford all the best as he moves on from his many years of public service."

UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said Mark Drakeford was a "true titan" of Welsh and Labour politics.

"Mark has set a clear standard for public service in UK politics, always putting others before himself", he said.

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth paid tribute "to the first minister's dedication to public life and in particular the tone of his leadership through the pandemic".

Mr ap Iorwerth, who is in a co-operation deal with Mark Drakeford to deliver a number of policies, said his party had a "constructive relationship" with the Welsh government.

Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies also wished Mr Drakeford well.

"While we may have different visions for Wales, I know I'm joined by colleagues in holding a huge amount of respect for his dedication to the job of first minister," he said.