First minister of Wales Mark Drakeford announces he will stand down | UK News

Mark Drakeford has resigned from his role as the first minister of Wales.

The 69-year-old also stood down as Welsh Labour leader with immediate effect on Wednesday morning.

He 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.’

Mr Drakeford held the position for exactly five years after succeeding Carwyn Jones who resigned in 2018.

He will stay on as the first minister of Wales until his successor is appointed.

The move has triggered a contest to find his successor as the nation’s Labour leader and he said he hoped one will be in place before Easter 2024.

‘It has been a great privilege to serve as leader of this party,’ Mr Drakeford said.

‘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.’

After suffering a slump in poll ratings, Mr Drakeford has come under fire for policies including the widespread use of 20mph limits on Welsh roads.

A YouGov poll of 1,004 Welsh voters for ITV Cymru Wales and Cardiff University earlier this month found his popularity is at an 18-month low, with 56% believing he is doing a bad job of being first minister.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, has wished Mr Drakeford well.

He said: ‘While we may have different visions for Wales, I know I’m joined by colleagues in holding a huge amount of respect for his dedication to the job of first minister.

‘It’s important, however, with this announcement that there is no distraction from the really important job of delivering for the people of Wales.’

Mr Drakeford was first elected to the Senedd in 2011 as the Member for Cardiff West.

He served in various ministerial roles from 2013 under the leadership of Carwyn Jones, before succeeding him.

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