Carwyn vows: I'll unite Wales.

Byline: DANIEL DAVIES

CARWYN Jones said last night he would be a "leader for the whole of Wales" when he began his bid to take over from Rhodri Morgan.

Launching his campaign in his Bridgend constituency, the Counsel General and leader of the House said he had strong support among AMs and MPs. Together with MEP Derek Vaughan they make up a third of the electoral college that will choose the next Welsh Labour leader.

Mr Jones promised to avoid rifts between Labour politicians in Cardiff Bay and Westminster who have not always seen eye to eye on devolution.

He said: "I'm standing as a candidate who can build unity between the Assembly group and Welsh Labour MPs.

"Welsh Labour is at its best when it is united, with Labour in the Assembly and Labour at Westminster working together."

Party members and unions were crying out for a leader who listened, he said.

"They want a leader for the whole of Wales, one who unites not divides, one who listens not lectures. A leader rooted in Labour values, proud of our past but focused on our future."

Mr Jones began the day with an attack on his coalition partners in Plaid Cymru, saying their vision of independence was unaffordable and would isolate Wales.

Long seen as the bookmakers' favourite, Mr Jones is up against Merthyr Tydfil AM Huw Lewis and Health Minister Edwina Hart. Candidates TV talks internal be Wales, their day Plaid TV DEBATE Candidates could feature in a TV debate as Labour is seeking talks with broadcasters.

internal hustings meetings will Five be held, including in North Wales, for members to make their choice.

Candidates have until October 12 to be nominated.

CAPTION(S):

Carwyn Jones has launched his bid to succeed Rhodri Morgan