The Mark Drakeford interview as First Minister confirms he intends to stand down in 2024, Wales' new Senedd elects a First Minister and Presiding Officer, Mark Drakeford is the most popular UK leader, new poll shows, Mark Drakeford leaving the Kings Road polling station in Pontcanna with his wife Clare in 2022. Taking to Twitter, the University wrote: ''The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. Louis Allwood 29th Jan 2023, 07:00 The Cave: An Adaptation of Platos Allegory in Clay; Chasing the Shadows; The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf: A Stop-motion Adaptation "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling," he said. Paying tribute to Clare today, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. "I know just how close they were as a couple, and I can only imagine the sense of loss Mark and the whole family are feeling.". What would the impact be on his wife Clare and their three grown-up children, he wondered., READ MORE: Meghan Markle uses surprising technique to command attention. Web28 January Clare Drakeford, wife of Mark Drakeford, 71 [13] [17] 9 February Charlie Faulkner, rugby international and coach, 81 [39] 14 February Christine Pritchard, actress ( Pobol y Cwm, Cara Fi ), 79 [40] References [ edit] ^ "Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS: First Minister of Wales". 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". Paying tribute to Clare today, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. Mr and Mrs Drakeford married in 1977 and the family have lived in Pontcanna, Cardiff, for 30 years. The wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government said. C lare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price did the same and said it was "difficult to comprehend" the blow to the first minister. Express. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford with his wife Clare, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Downing Street said the prime minister had offered his "deepest condolences" to Mr Drakeford, 68, privately. Councillor Joe Carter said: My personal opinion is the Mansion House would make an ideal official residence for the First Minister. The 66-year-old died suddenly today however her cause of death is not yet known. The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.". Sending him love and strength.". Ive been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody.. The Prince and Princess of Wales wrote on Twitter: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. She is famous for her continual reinvention and uniqueness in music production. The MP for Holborn and St Pancras wrote on Twitter: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. "On the occasions I met Clare it was obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was, and I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died. The entire Scottish Labor family sends our love and condolences. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. Funeral held for first minister's wife Clare Drakeford after death at age 71. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. The couple had been married since 1977 and had three children together. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. Following an anti-lockdown protest outside their house in July 2021, politicians raised concerns over the residential security of the First Minister and his wife. First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Mark Drakeford "love and strength" following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Clare Drakeford, who is the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Ive been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody.. A statement read: "It is He revealed he was hesitant about running to be first minister when Carwyn Jones stepped down in 2018 because of the potential impact on his family. It comes hours after it was announced that Clare Drakeford had died suddenly. A statement read: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Inside the life of the Welsh First Ministers partner MARK DRAKEFORD has served as leader of the Welsh Labour party since 2018, all the while maintaining a 45-year marriage to his wife, Clare - but who is she? First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has had the support of his wife throughout his political career. A spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". The couple were living in Cardiff at the time of Mrs Drakeford's death. Ms Jones added: "It's little understood by people outside this chamber but often what pains one of us can pain all of us. 16 February 2023 A funeral has been held for the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. ", Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru, said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford, who is also the leader of Welsh Labour, while Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". ''Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family.''. '', Sinn Fein vice president, Michelle O'Neill said: "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they mourn their loss and come to terms with their grief.". Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. Rest in peace #claredrakeford. It is with profound grief that we confirm the tragic The mum-of-three was married to the The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, added: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know, First Minister revealed that he was living in a separate building, Wales' First Minister living in garden hut to protect shielding wife. He said: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". More info. Read about our approach to external linking. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? W & C.". "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support. Davies said: My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. My thoughts are with you and your family. They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. View our online Press Pack. Speaking to the BBC he said: "On a purely personal level both my wife and my mother fell ill with coronavirus at a point where I was not able to live at home because they were both vulnerable.". "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. Business Minister Lesley Griffiths said Mr Drakeford would be grateful for MSs' condolences. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price posted on social media: "My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford. Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. My deepest condolences to Mark and family at this really sad time. I'm shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing. The Welsh government confirmed the news of Clare Drakeford's sudden death with "deep sadness", End of twitter post 3 by The Prince and Princess of Wales, The strength of the bond between Mr and Mrs Drakeford was "obvious", said Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, The first minister and his wife attended a service in memory of the Queen at Llandaff cathedral last year, Skip twitter post 3 by The Prince and Princess of Wales, living in a building in his garden to keep his family safe, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, Alex Murdaugh jailed for life for double murder, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, US sues Exxon over nooses found at Louisiana plant, Sacred coronation oil will be animal-cruelty free. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," he said. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Mr Drakefords wife of almost 50 years revealed little about herself to the public. Mr Drakeford, who became first minister in 2018 and was reappointed to the post in May 2021, later described their reunion as "a bit emotional". The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with Covid. Video, 00:01:39, Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Canadian grandma helps police snag phone scammer, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. Mr Drakeford said he had been living in a separate building in the garden of his family home while Mrs Drakeford stayed inside the main home. It is a bit emotional. The mum-of-three was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of years and throughout his political career. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. Tributes have been paid from many politicians since the news broke with Downing Street confirming Prime Minister Rishi Sunak passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. Mark Drakeford is a Welsh politician and has been the First Minister for Wales since 2018 and the leader of Welsh Labour. The couple have three adult children. ", Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Drakeford, who has been the first minister of Wales since 2018, has rarely spoken about his family life but in February 2021, he revealed he had been isolating from his wife for most of 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic in order to keep her and her elderly mother safe while they were shielding. DONT MISS:Jeremy Corbyn threat: The real reason we should be terrified [LATEST]Prince Harry wants "perks of Royalty" as a non-working royal [ANALYSIS]How to live longer: Best bread for longevity[INSIGHT]. My thoughts are with you and your family. Madonnas sister Melanie Ciccone who is married to musician Joe Henry broke the news on Instagram on Saturday. WebMark Drakeford. Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. My deepest condolences to Mark and family at this really sad time. W & C.". WELSH First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife died suddenly today. The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, also joined in, saying: "I am sure you will all join me in sending deepest condolences to @MarkDrakeford on the sudden passing of his beloved wife, Clare. Inside the life of the Welsh First Ministers partner, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? During the pandemic, the First Minister revealed that he was living in a separate building within the family home as he didn't want to pass on Covid to his wife or mother-in-law. Downing Street said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. Clare Buckle and Drakeford has been married for 46 years. We're all here for you Mark.". He told ITV Wales: Ive been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody.. The Prime Minister tweeted: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Funeral held for first minister's wife Clare Drakeford after death at age 71. The leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of her death. First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, had the support of his wife throughout his political career. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. He offered his "thoughts and prayers" during "this incredibly difficult time". W & C.", The First Minister of Scotland and SNP Leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.". The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. "This is no longer the case and whilst it is used for civic and charitable events, becoming the home for the first minister would be a far more fitting role for it. The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. He also said he was hesitant about running to be first minister when Carwyn Jones stepped down in 2018 because of the potential impact on his family. Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. Web28 January The Welsh Government announces that Clare Drakeford, the wife of First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. In February 2021, Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his vulnerable wife for most of 2020 in order to keep her safe. My heartfelt condolences go out to them.. Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family. Were all here for you Mark., Responding to the news, the Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader, Jane Dodds, said: My thoughts are with the first minister and his family at this very difficult time.. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. '', Sinn Fein vice president, Michelle O'Neill said: "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they mourn their loss and come to terms with their grief.". In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus. In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died. Mr Drakeford, who became first minister in 2018 and was reappointed to the post in May 2021, later described their reunion as "a bit emotional". "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. On behalf of the whole Labour party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family, he said. Leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price send his condolence to Mr Drakeford, tweeting: "My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. This new deal has been negotiated by the Sunak government and aims to eliminate the Irish Sea border. Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill offered her condolences, saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they mourn their loss and come to terms with their grief.". "My heartfelt condolences go out to them.". The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes.