Mark Drakeford, the current Welsh Labour leader and First Minister, has declared his decision to step down from his role in March, initiating a leadership contest for his successor. The news comes exactly five years and one day after he assumed the position.
At a hastily convened press conference within the Welsh Parliament, the 69-year-old Cardiff West Member of the Senedd (MS) stated, “When I stood for the leadership, I said that, if elected, I would serve for five years. Exactly five years have passed since I was confirmed as the First Minister in 2018.” This revelation defies his initial plan to resign in 2024, adding an element of surprise to the unfolding political developments in Wales.
Mr. Drakeford highlighted the significance of his tenure, expressing, “It has been a huge privilege to lead both the Welsh Labour Party and the Welsh government.” Acknowledging the impending transition, he affirmed his commitment to remain as the First Minister until his successor is chosen through the party’s electoral process.
The departure of Mark Drakeford, a key figure in Welsh politics, has prompted reactions from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to extend his best wishes: “I wish Mark Drakeford all the best as he moves on from his many years of public service.”
Rhun ap Iorwerth, the leader of Plaid Cymru, paid tribute to Drakeford’s dedication to public life and specifically acknowledged the tone of his leadership during the pandemic. Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies also offered well-wishes, emphasizing the respect held for Drakeford’s commitment to the role of First Minister, despite differing visions for Wales.
As the announcement ushers in a leadership contest, the eyes of the nation turn towards the upcoming election of a new Welsh Labour leader, set to take place before Easter. The outcome of this contest will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in Wales for the foreseeable future.
Mark Drakefords full statement:
“I have today formally notified the chair of the Welsh Executive Committee of my intention to stand down as Leader of Welsh Labour in March 2024.
When I stood for the leadership, I said that, if elected, I would serve for five years.
Exactly five years have passed since I was confirmed as First Minister in 2018.
Nominations for my successor as Welsh Labour Leader will open shortly.
The process will be concluded by the end of the Spring term, to enable the name of the winner to be put to the Senedd before the Easter recess.
In the meantime, I remain your First Minister.
- We have a busy few months ahead of us – full of major events and challenges, which I will be fully focused on:
- A child poverty strategy
- The final report of the independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales
- The future of steel-making in Wales
- The conclusion of consultations about making council tax fairer and the reform of the school year
- Module 2B of the Covid-19 UK Inquiry
- Co-operation Agreement commitments to deliver
- And a Budget to pass.
There will be plenty of time for political obituaries and retrospection once I cease to be First Minister.
But not before.
