Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of the WLGA said:

"On behalf of the WLGA and local government, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication that Mark Drakeford has shown during his tenure as First Minister.

“Throughout his time in office, Mark has steered Wales through challenging times - none more profound than the Covid-19 pandemic. He has consistently championed the cause of local government; he has recognised its pivotal role in shaping our communities and has shown his habitual appreciation for the value and importance of local services.

“The First Minister’s collaborative approach, evident in his positive working relationship with the WLGA, has been instrumental in fostering constructive dialogue and advancing shared goals. His insightful address at WLGA’s recent Annual Conference resonated with local government leaders across Wales, and provided yet another example of his commitment to engagement and partnership has been a cornerstone of our collective efforts.

“His legacy of service to Wales will undoubtedly endure, and we look forward to building upon the strong foundations for relations between local and Welsh governments for the sake of all our communities. We would like to sincerely thank Mark for his tireless efforts and his invaluable contribution to our nation.”