FIRST Minister Carwyn Jones is to stand down in the autumn.

The Labour AM made the announcement at the Labour Party Conference in Llandudno earlier today Saturday (Apr 21).

There has been speculation for some time whether the First Minister would be standing down but it still came as a surprise to a lot of people.

After almost ten years as leader he cited family reasons as contributory factors giving up his role as First Minister.

Speculation about the identity of his successor has included names like Mark Drakeford and Alun Davies.