Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford resigns

The First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford has resigned from his role, announcing he will stand down as the leader of the Welsh Labour Party in March 2024.

This sparks a contest for his successor.

In a resignation statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "When I stood for election as Leader of Welsh Labour, I said I would stand down during the current Senedd term.

"That time has now come.

"It has been a great privilege to serve as leader of this party.

"Together, we have achieved a huge amount over the last five years in some of the toughest times we have known.

"Despite all the chaos in Westminster, the ongoing impact of Brexit, climate change and the pandemic, by working together, we have delivered record results for Welsh Labour in the local government and Senedd elections.

"Our greatest task is still ahead of us - to return a Labour UK Government and start repairing the huge damage which has been inflicted by the Tories over the last 13 years.

"I will work tirelessly to secure that Labour victory and to continue delivering on the promises we made to people all across Wales in 2021 to deliver a stronger, fairer and greener Wales."

Who is Mark Drakeford?

Mark Drakeford has been a prominent figure in Welsh politics, he's held multiple roles throughout his career in the Welsh Labour Party. Representing the Cardiff West constituency, he has been a member of the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) since 2011. Drakeford's political journey saw him take on significant roles within the Welsh Government, including Minister for Health and Social Services and Minister for Finance.

With a background in education, Mark Drakeford earned a doctorate from the University of Bristol and later became a professor of social policy at Cardiff University. His academic pursuits extended to publications in the field of social policy, showcasing his expertise beyond the political arena.

In December 2018, Drakeford assumed the leadership of the Welsh Labour Party, and became the First Minister of Wales. As the head of the devolved government in Wales, he played a pivotal role in policymaking and governance, particularly through the Covid pandemic.

During the pandemic Drakeford moved into a separate building on the grounds of his property in order to protect his wife and her mother who were both classed as 'vulnerable.' Drakeford's wife, Clare passed away earlier this year age 71.

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