So farewell Carwyn as he stands down as Welsh First Minister, after nine years leading the Welsh Assembly.
I first knew Carwyn as a student in Aberystwyth when I was a mature student he was as I was at first active in student politics and I must admit he was not one of those who cynical ambition led me to stray away.
Indeed even then he has a curious mix of a genial and laconic manner , which was a trademark at First Minister Questions.
His term as First Minister (2009-2018) coincided with that of Alex Salmond ((2007-2014) and Nicola Sturgeon (2014-Present) and I doubt that even his greatest supporters will deny that he failed to galvanise Wales that he inspired his nation as his Scottish counterparts.
This is not just because the SNP ministers had reached not only the UK but the World stage, because of the Independence issue but also because a general sense of leadership.
Indeed Carwyn tenure has been one of a lethargic and uninspiring leadership in which he has largely failed to take devolution forward and in which he concentrated on juggling the pocket money from Westminster.
It was a leadership where of the four nations of the UK . Wales had the worst Unemployment , NHS and Education record.
He did see through The Welsh devolution referendum on law-making powers also known as the Referendum on the law-making powers of the National Assembly for Wales was a non-binding referendum held in Wales on 3 March 2011 on whether the Welsh Assembly should have full law making powers in the twenty subject areas where it has jurisdiction. t
However there was no real signs of Carwyn even considering taking the Assembly to the same level as the Scottish Parliament and one his last acts was to capitulate to Westminster and allow the Power Grab
Wen you look at the Scottish Parliaments achievements, the contrasts stark
Unfortunately the Shadow of Carl Sargeant who was found dead days after Mr Jones fired him last year, will remain with him.
I first knew Carwyn as a student in Aberystwyth when I was a mature student he was as I was at first active in student politics and I must admit he was not one of those who cynical ambition led me to stray away.
Indeed even then he has a curious mix of a genial and laconic manner , which was a trademark at First Minister Questions.
His term as First Minister (2009-2018) coincided with that of Alex Salmond ((2007-2014) and Nicola Sturgeon (2014-Present) and I doubt that even his greatest supporters will deny that he failed to galvanise Wales that he inspired his nation as his Scottish counterparts.
This is not just because the SNP ministers had reached not only the UK but the World stage, because of the Independence issue but also because a general sense of leadership.
Indeed Carwyn tenure has been one of a lethargic and uninspiring leadership in which he has largely failed to take devolution forward and in which he concentrated on juggling the pocket money from Westminster.
It was a leadership where of the four nations of the UK . Wales had the worst Unemployment , NHS and Education record.
He did see through The Welsh devolution referendum on law-making powers also known as the Referendum on the law-making powers of the National Assembly for Wales was a non-binding referendum held in Wales on 3 March 2011 on whether the Welsh Assembly should have full law making powers in the twenty subject areas where it has jurisdiction. t
However there was no real signs of Carwyn even considering taking the Assembly to the same level as the Scottish Parliament and one his last acts was to capitulate to Westminster and allow the Power Grab
Wen you look at the Scottish Parliaments achievements, the contrasts stark
Unfortunately the Shadow of Carl Sargeant who was found dead days after Mr Jones fired him last year, will remain with him.
There has been much speculation that after he steps down as First Minister on Tuesday, Mr Jones will be nominated for a seat in the House of Lords – an offer he has said he would accept.
But Carl Sargeant’s son Jack Sargeant, who succeeded The AM for Alyn and Deeside remained seated during the standing ovation,
"There has been talk that the First Minister will leave office and be given a peerage.
“Nothing could be more distressing for the family and friends of Carl to know that such an accolade could be bestowed when there are so many unanswered questions regarding the First Minister’s conduct.
“It would be a real slap in the face to those of us already suffering Carl’s loss. If Jeremy Corbyn gives the nod to Carwyn Jones to go into the House of Lords, we will be distraught.”
Political honours are not usually awarded in the New Years Honours List but , there may be an exception here , releasing Jeremy Corbyn , from criticism, especially as he doesn't really approve of such things.
Prehaps the legacy of Carwyn may be that Wales begins to think that it needs a First Minister with ambition and the vitality for the nation to see it through.
We may have to wait though as his replacement Mark Drayford seems to lack both.
1 comment:
Yes characteristic that Jack sargeant remained seated while almost all other AMs had the good grace to stand and applaud the end of Carwyn Jones term as FM. Indeed since his coronation... er I mean selection as the labour candidate in his late father's old seat I've often wondered if Jack sargeant is in the senedd to represent alyn & deeside or to represent the sergeant family?
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