Both Edwina Hart and Huw Lewis served in Jones' governments until their retirement in 2016.

[4] The election was conducted under an Electoral College system in which Labour Party members, affiliated trade union members and Welsh Labour elected officials all held an equal share of the votes.

[5] To stand, candidates needed the support of a minimum of six[6][7] (out of a possible 24) including themselves of Labour's Assembly Members.

Three candidates - Counsel General Carwyn Jones, Health Minister Edwina Hart and Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney AM Huw Lewis - entered the race.

[7] The following were reported as endorsements by the BBC at the close on nominations on 22 October 2009:[8] Minister for Health and Social Services Counsel General for Wales Backbencher Derek Vaughan MEP supported Carwyn Jones.