Shock at Education Minister's decision to leave
Those in the Welsh education sector have been shocked following the announcement from the Education and Skills Minister, Huw Lewis AM, that he will not seek re-election in May.
He describes the role as 'the job I always wanted to do' but told his local Labour Party that 'the time is right for me to move on'.
As Minister Huw Lewis has overseen some significant changes to education in Wales:
Reflecting on his time in the role the Minister says "seeing the attainment gap close this year between poorer students and their better off contemporaries is something I am incredibly proud of."
The First Minister, Carwyn Jones AM, says Mr Lewis' passion will be 'sorely missed in the next Assembly':
The political world has been quick to wish Huw Lewis well, with Plaid Cymru's Jocelyn Davies AM saying: "I wish Huw Lewis well in his life after the Assembly. His decision came as a surprise. Political differences aside, Huw is very pleasant company and has a good sense of humour."
Huw Lewis' announcement brings the number of Labour AMs standing down in May to 10.