BREAKING NEWS Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford quits after rollercoaster five years that saw Labour politician’s popularity surge during Covid – but crash dramatically amid NHS woes and 20mph row

Mark Drakeford today announced his resignation as Welsh First Minister after five years in office.

The 69-year-old triggered a contest to find his successor as Welsh Labour leader.

He expressed his hope that a replacement First Minister could then be installed before Easter.

Mr Drakeford announced his departure at a news conference in Cardiff on the fifth anniversary of the day he first became First Minister.

During a rollercoaster half-decade in power, Mr Drakeford saw his popularity surge as he led Wales through the Covid crisis.

But his approval ratings have since slumped amid continued woes for the NHS in Wales and a controversial imposition of widespread 20mph limits on Welsh roads.

Labour’s Mark Drakeford today announced his resignation as Welsh First Minister

‘When I stood for election as Leader of Welsh Labour, I said I would stand down during the current Senedd term,’ he said.

‘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.’

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