Mark Drakeford: Wales’s First Minister to stop Senedd at subsequent election

The first minister of Wales has mentioned he’ll stop the Senedd on the subsequent election, Sky News understands.

Mark Drakeford has been the Senedd member for the constituency of Cardiff West since 2011.

He has beforehand indicated he’ll step apart as first minister earlier than the following election in 2026.

But the senior Labour determine has now confirmed he’ll go away Welsh politics.

The announcement comes after Mr Drakeford mentioned the Welsh authorities was dealing with its “toughest financial situation” since devolution.

He mentioned ministers would spend the summer time contemplating the place financial savings could possibly be made however his authorities would prioritise public companies whereas “targeting support” at those that want it most.

Mr Drakeford had been visiting Welsh cultural competition, the National Eisteddfod, in Boduan, Gwynedd, on Wednesday.

“I’ve had a really great day here at the Eisteddfod,” he mentioned in a video on social media.

“A long day and a busy day, but a day full of things to enjoy.”

His spouse, Clare Drakeford, died suddenly in January and the weeks after her loss of life have been “incredibly difficult” for the primary minister.

He lately outlined his priorities over the next 12 months, together with growing the variety of Senedd members from 60 to 96.

The Welsh Conservatives have referred to as these plans “out of touch”.

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Mr Drakeford was elected chief of Welsh Labour and first minister in 2018, succeeding Carwyn Jones.

He had beforehand served because the Welsh authorities’s well being, Brexit and finance ministers beneath Mr Jones.