THE MEMBER of the Senedd (MS) for Wrexham has paid tribute to the First Minister of Wales amid the news of his resignation as Welsh Labour leader this week.

A leadership contest will be held in the coming months to find a new first minister following Mark Drakeford's announcement.

In a resignation statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, Mr Drakeford said: “When I stood for election as Leader of Welsh Labour, I said I would stand down during the current Senedd term.

“That time has now come. It has been a great privilege to serve as leader of this party.

“Together, we have achieved a huge amount over the last five years in some of the toughest times we have known.

“Despite all the chaos in Westminster, the ongoing impact of Brexit, climate change and the pandemic, by working together, we have delivered record results for Welsh Labour in the local government and Senedd elections.

“Our greatest task is still ahead of us – to return a Labour UK Government and start repairing the huge damage which has been inflicted by the Tories over the last 13 years.

“I will work tirelessly to secure that Labour victory and to continue delivering on the promises we made to people all across Wales in 2021 to deliver a stronger, fairer and greener Wales.”

Wrexham MS Lesley Griffiths has hailed Mr Drakeford as an inspiration.

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She said: "Mark is a truly exceptional First Minister and has led Wales during the most exceptional times.

“He served the people of Wales with honour, dedication and compassion and his selfless leadership through the pandemic will never be forgotten.

“Mark is an inspiration, a man full of integrity and it has been a privilege to serve in his Cabinet.”