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"It's been an honour and a privilege to serve my country as a proud Welshman" - they were the last words Carwyn Jones made in the Senedd chamber as First Minister.

Mr Jones will now submit his resignation to the Queen after leading his last First Minister’s Questions at the Senedd, watched on by his family, friends and party members.

He spent more than 45 minutes answering questions from Assembly colleagues before making a resignation statement.

Mr Jones said he has led 320 First Minister’s Questions and taken more than 3,000 in his nine years as First Minister.

AMs paid tribute to Mr Jones during their questions and following his speech.

There was a standing ovation from almost all AMs. Neil McEvoy, Mandy Jones, nor two of his own Labour colleagues Jenny Rathbone and Jack Sargeant did not stand.

His family, friends and colleagues joined in applause in the public gallery.

(Image: Richard Swingler) (Image: Richard Swingler)

Tory leader Paul Davies said Mr Jones had carried out his “duty with dedication and devotion”.

Mr Davies asked Mr Jones: “What have you learnt?”

Mr Jones replied: “You always learn, there’s never a time when you know everything, clearly”.

When asked about transport plans for Wales, including a Carmarthen to Aberystwyth railway line and the Metro, Mr Jones said: "Mischeviously there’s a chance to commit to anything in your last First Minister’s Questions,” he said, to laughter.

He was asked by UKIP’s leader Gareth Bennett to give his Government marks out of 10.

Mr Jones responded “10” but went on to say he said there was work to do when it comes to councils.

“We’re not there with local government,” he said.

(Image: Richard Swingler)

In his resignation speech, Mr Jones said: "It has been a huge privilege to serve Wales in this job, and to be at the helm in a time of great challenge, a crucial time in our nation’s history.

"As I prepare to hand over the reins, the feelings are bitter sweet – an experience shared I’m sure by everyone leaving a role that has been central to their lives. Sadness in standing down, combined with pride in the work that has been achieved."

He said: "We made policy for Wales, not for London’s media. Our growing confidence and self-belief, as a Government, as a country, has come even in the face of a savage decade of austerity. But, none of these policies and achievements exist in isolation from the other.

"They all, to my mind, add up to something I will always want for Wales. Fairness and hope. They have been my watchwords in Government, just as they were my parents’ watchwords at home."

He paid tribute to his successor, Mark Drakeford, and said he will offer his vote to him for the next First Minister at the vote on Wednesday.

"It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Mark, and all my Cabinet colleagues past and present, who have given me such fantastic support for so many years.

"Mark is someone who can effortlessly match both principles and pragmatism, and I have no doubt at all that he will make a superb First Minister of Wales."

What AMs said:

Andrew RT Davies, former Conservative group leader

(Image: Richard Swingler)

"You have public service running through your veins, without a shadow of a doubt.

"Someone doesn’t give the time and commitment that you’ve given without having that public service running through your veins, and you can be held in great tribute about the efforts you’ve done to improve the lot of the people of Wales."

Gareth Bennett, Ukip group leader

"You've also shown a great deal of stamina in remaining in office for so long. I believe you and Jane Hutt are amongst the longest serving Ministers in UK political history.

"Now, there have been remarks in the past about your resemblance to the TV weatherman Derek Brockway; there was that Comic Relief performance of a few years ago when the two of you swapped places. Personally, I couldn't quite see that resemblance.

"Increasingly, I am finding I get you confused with the Welsh rugby coach, Warren Gatland. Is it true that the two of you have never been seen in the same room together? Anyway, while you reflect on that, I wish you well, First Minister, in your future career, on behalf of both myself and the UKIP group."

Adam Price, Plaid Cymru leader:

"At the dispatch box in this Chamber, as you've already alluded to, you've generally sustained, Amman Valley passion notwithstanding, a quiet dignity, if I may say, in your dealings with colleagues. You have overseen a very wide brief with masterly composure. I, for one, have found you a tough opponent to disrupt. Shall we just say it's hard to ruffle your feathers, Carwyn?"

Paul Davies, Conservative group leader:

"It's fair to say that you took over from a real giant of Welsh politics, your successor too has some big shoes to fill. I genuinely believe that all of us in this Chamber, while our journey here came through different routes, from different parts of Wales, are united by a commitment to public service.

"We all want the best for our country. We want a healthier, more prosperous, more environmentally friendly and fairer Wales, and through robust debate in this Chamber we all vote in the best interest of the people we represent, and I know that you share that desire, First Minister."

Leanne Wood, former Plaid Cymru leader

(Image: Richard Swingler)

"Carwyn, from my experience of working alongside you I know you to be genuine about wanting to create a Wales where people do not suffer from discrimination. Whether that be putting the far right in their place on the question of racism and division or whether it be on the question of women's rights you've taken a principled and ethical approach and I believe that you deserve recognition for that.

"You've also been genuine in your desire to see Wales progress, and while I may well have been frustrated about the lack of support for faster progress, particularly on the Welsh constitution, on powers and the lack of support that you've had from your MPs in particular."

Vikki Howells, Labour AM:

"Carwyn, you also made a difference through your role in helping to deliver a positive result in the 2011 campaign on law-making powers and in the way that your Government has used these powers since. Just as important have been the taxation powers this Assembly has been granted to deliver the first modern made-in-Wales taxes.

"I know your resignation here today will not mark the end of your contribution to public life in Wales. I also know that Lisa, Seren, Ruari and Caron will cherish being able to spend more time with you."