Welsh Labour has defied the odds, claims Carwyn Jones

Welsh Labour candidates and activists can be incredibly proud of themselves today – they fought another tough election, and once again defied the odds. The Tories had been briefing that they’d be walking into power right across Wales this morning – that simply has not happened. People realise that only Welsh Labour will stand up for Wales and we thank them once again for that trust.

Despite defying the doom-mongers in places like Cardiff and Flintshire, there is no question it was a mixed night for us, and as the true party of Wales we are always more stretched than our opponents. We faced strong challenges from all parties, and independents, right across the country.

We must now re-focus and fight a General Election campaign the same way we always fight elections – with our own Welsh Labour values, huge amounts of hard work and an absolute commitment to stand up for our communities against the Tories.