Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that he is stepping down as Labour leader and will remain in office until his successor is found early next year. In a statement posted to Twitter, Mr. Drakeford stated, “I will stand down in March, and will continue to deliver on my promises to you until then.” He expressed hope that his replacement could be in place before Easter 2024.
Labor has a long history of electoral success in Wales. Since 2018, Mr. Drakeford’s government has committed Wales to a series of progressive goals on net zero, transgenderism, and anti-racism. Under his leadership, the government has aimed to turn Wales into “an equitable anti-racist nation” through various initiatives, including mandatory anti-racism training and lessons for school children and public bodies.
The Welsh Government has also made Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) lessons compulsory in its curriculum to reflect diversity and empower learners at developmentally appropriate stages. Moreover, Mr. Drakeford’s administration announced plans to become the “most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe,” proposing various measures to support LGBTQ+ individuals and ensure inclusive education in Wales.
In terms of COVID-19, Mr. Drakeford has heavily supported restrictions such as lockdowns and masking. Welsh authorities previously banned the sale of “non-essential” items during a two-week “firebreak” lockdown in October 2020 to slow down the virus. Reacting to Mr. Drakeford’s resignation, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer commended him for his dedication to public service.