Vaughan Gething confirmed he will stand down as first minister and Welsh Labour leader after mass resignations from ministers forced his hand.
Mr Gething’s leadership has been beset by problems, with a row around donations to his campaign from a convicted polluter and the sacking of a minister accused of leaking.
Wales’ first minister lost a vote of no confidence in the Senedd last month and on Tuesday pressure began to mount as four members of his cabinet quit the frontbench.
In a statement, Mr Gething said: “I have this morning taken the difficult decision to begin the process of stepping down as leader of the Welsh Labour party and, as a result, first minister.
“Having been elected as leader of my party in March, I had hoped that over the summer a period of reflection, rebuilding and renewal could take place under my leadership.
“I recognise now that this is not possible.”
‘Underrepresented’
Mr Gething, a former lawyer and trade union representative, said it had been the honour of his life to lead the country – even if only for a few short months.
He wrote: “I have always pursued my political career to serve Wales.
“And being able to show underrepresented communities that there is a place for them, for us, is an honour and privilege that will never diminish.
“It’s what drew me into public service. Before becoming an MS I fought employment cases for people who’d been mistreated at work.
“I wanted to give power to those without a voice. That has always been my motivation.
“I also campaigned to help create the Senedd, clocking up 30 years of work to support Wales’ devolution journey.”
‘Integrity matters’
Mr Gething said: “This has been the most difficult time, for me, and my family.
“A growing assertion that some kind of wrongdoing has taken place has been pernicious, politically motivated and patently untrue.
“In 11 years as a minister, I have never ever made a decision for personal gain. I have never ever misused or abused my ministerial responsibilities.
“My integrity matters. I have not compromised it.”
‘Bruised’
In closing, Europe’s first black leader said: “I regret that the burden of proof is no longer an important commodity in the language of our politics. I do hope that can change.
“I will now discuss a timetable for the election of a new leader of my party.
“Finally, I want to say thank you to those who have reached out to support me, my team and my family in recent weeks.
“It has meant the world to all of us.
“To those in Wales who look like me – many of whom I know feel personally bruised and worried by this moment – I know that our country can be better. I know that cannot happen without us.
“There will – and there must be – a government that looks like the country it serves.”