12/05/2026
It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve as First Minister of Wales and to represent the people of Mid and West Wales in the Senedd.
Public service is never about one person. It is about the people and communities who place their trust in you, the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes and the shared belief that Wales can always move forward together.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout this journey - my team, colleagues, campaigners, friends, my family and above all the people of Wales for giving me the privilege to serve.
To the new Welsh Government, I send my very best wishes. Whatever our political differences, I believe we all want the same thing at heart: a fairer, stronger and more confident Wales.
I leave this role immensely proud of what we have achieved together - from supporting our NHS and public services, to standing by communities through difficult times, investing in young people and showing what Welsh values of compassion and solidarity look like in practice.
Wales is a small nation with a big heart. Its story is still being written, and I am deeply proud to have played a part in that story.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the privilege of serving our country.
I will not be making any further comment at this time.