Lesley Griffiths AM backs Carwyn for next leader

Wrexham's Labour Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, has declared her wholehearted support for Carwyn Jones to replace Rhodri Morgan as Leader of the Welsh Labour Party.

Urging Mr.Jones to put his name forward as a candidate, Lesley Griffiths said:

"Carwyn campaigned hard to help Labour re-take Wrexham in the Assembly elections of 2007. I was quickly impressed by Carwyn's ability in the Assembly - not just in articulating Labour's message but also by taking on the opposition. Carwyn is Labour through and through.

"As a North Wales AM, it is vital Welsh Labour has a Leader who can reach out, speak to and speak for all the people of Wales - North, South, East and West. Time and time again, Carwyn has shown he has can do just that.

"Over his entire Ministerial career, Carwyn has demonstrated he has true leadership skills, taking tough decisions at times of real crisis for our country - such as in 2001 in the foot and mouth outbreak. Equally, Carwyn has shown he is a team player - dependable and deeply loyal to Rhodri Morgan and other Ministerial colleagues.

"Armed with such skills, I believe Carwyn would be the right person to motivate and re-envigorate all sections of my Party. He is the person who can take the fight to the Tories at the General Election next Spring. He is the person who can turn Labour's fortunes around in Wales and that is why I am urging Carwyn to stand for the Leadership of Welsh Labour."