Ceredigion MS Elin Jones has been re-elected as the Presiding Officer of the Senedd.

Ms Jones was re-elected to the post of Llywydd this afternoon in a secret ballot.

She received 35 votes with her opponent, Montgomeryshire MS Russell George, receiving 25 votes.

Labour MS David Rees was elected deputy presiding officer after also collecting 35 votes with other nominee, Hefin David, receiving 25 votes.

The Presiding Officer chairs meetings and acts as the figurehead in the Senedd.

Ms Jones was also Presiding Officer during the last term of office, beating Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas to the role.

Chair of the Welsh Conservative Group in the Senedd, Laura Anne Jones, congratulated Ms Jones on her appointment, and David Rees MS on becoming Deputy Presiding Officer, saying: “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Elin Jones MS on her reappointment as Presiding Officer, and to David Rees MS on his appointment as Deputy Presiding Officer.

“Over the past five years, Elin has played an important role overseeing the transformation of this place from an Assembly to a Parliament, whilst David has distinguished himself in the chamber and will do so in his new role.”

Mark Drakeford MS also became First Minister during the vote this afternoon – pending approval from the Queen.

He was nominated by Rebecca Evans MS with no further nominations being put forward.

Speaking of his reappointment, Mr Drakeford said: “I will lead a Welsh Labour Government but we will govern in a way that seeks consensus and will take account of new and bold ideas wherever those come from. “Ideas that can lead to a better future for the people of Wales. From clean air to a basic income and to ensure that young people are not priced out of Welsh speaking communities.

“This will be a Government that listens.

“Everyone here has a shared commitment to changing peoples’ lives for the better to realise the potential of this wonderful and unique nation and to use this institution as way to make sure that decisions that affect people in Wales are made only in Wales.

“I look forward to working with you all over the five years that lie ahead.”