News

Tributes and reactions from around Wales as Mark Drakeford quits

Published

1 year ago

December 13, 2023

Jon Coles

MARK DRAKEFORD resigned as leader of the Labour Party in Wales on Wednesday, December 13.

The First Minister announced his decision on the fifth anniversary of his succession from Carwyn Jones.

Although Mr Drakeford said he would step down during the current Senedd term, the timing of his announcement appeared to catch many of his colleagues on the hop.

Labour Party members will choose a new leader and new First Minister. The election process will likely end next March.

MARK DRAKEFORD’S RESIGNATION STATEMENT

The departing First Minister said: “Today, I have formally notified the chair of the Welsh Executive Committee of my intention to stand down as Leader of Welsh Labour in March 2024.

“When I stood for the leadership, I said that, if elected, I would serve for five years.

“Exactly five years have passed since I was confirmed as First Minister in 2018.

“Nominations for my successor as Welsh Labour Leader will open shortly.

“The process will be concluded by the end of the Spring term to enable the winner’s name to be put to the Senedd before the Easter recess.

“In the meantime, I remain your First Minister.

“We have a busy few months ahead of us – full of major events and challenges, which I will be fully focused on:

A child poverty strategy
The final report of the independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales
The future of steel-making in Wales
The conclusion of consultations about making council tax fairer and the reform of the school year
Module 2B of the Covid-19 UK Inquiry
Cooperation Agreement commitments to deliver
And a Budget to pass.
“There will be plenty of time for political obituaries and retrospection once I cease to be First Minister.

“But not before.

“In a five-year period, which has seen Wales deal with austerity, Brexit, the covid pandemic, the climate crisis, wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and four different Prime Ministers – so far – there will be lots to reflect on.”

PANDEMIC MASKED LONG-TERM FAILINGS

Mark Drakeford’s bookish demeanour became a strength during the Covid pandemic.

As Westminster foamed and frothed in chaos – actual and apparent, as the Covid Inquiry has revealed – Mr Drakeford’s calm and level tones created a different narrative in Wales.

The appearance of dignified and cautious competence contrasted favourably with Boris Johnson’s erratic scandal-ridden conduct, and Labour reaped the benefits.

Mr Drakeford became the most visible and publicly identifiable First Minister in the history of devolution.

Labour reaped the rewards of his exposure by increasing the number of Senedd Members in May 2021.

For a time, UK Labour courted and paid tribute to the party’s electoral success in Wales. There was a lot of back-slapping and talk of learning from “the Welsh way” of doing things.

Anyone with any real idea about Welsh politics and the Welsh Government’s record could have warned Kier Starmer about the dangers of that approach.

Whatever credit built up during the pandemic rapidly evaporated as long-term and systemic problems in Wales were scrutinised. The state of Welsh public services – especially the NHS, education, and transport infrastructure – is, at best, dismal. And while Mr Drakeford does not carry the can for every failure, he’s done little meaningful to remedy them.

As he pointed out in his resignation statement, Mark Drakeford has been at the heart of Welsh politics for a quarter of a century. His lasting achievements are few.

His most significant measure, the proposed expansion of the Senedd and electoral reform, faces a choppy ride through the Welsh Parliament. The Cooperation Agreement upon which that legislation relies will end with Mr Drakeford’s final departure and is unlikely to be renewed.

As passing Senedd reform relies on Plaid votes – and as Plaid is unhappy with the proposals its previous leader agreed – the case for reform and expansion will come under renewed pressure and scrutiny. And that ignores the significant minority of Labour backbenchers who dislike the proposals.

TRIBUTES TO MARK DRAKEFORD

Paul Butterworth, CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We would like to thank the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, for his years of public service to Wales, leading the country during a time of tough economic circumstances and a global pandemic with dignity, a time that severely tested businesses and society at large.”

Trade Unions echoed those sentiments.

Transport union TSSA said: “Mark is a principled, honourable man whose resignation is a sad loss to Welsh politics.

“Mark’s resignation, like his career in politics, shows him to be a man of integrity and professionalism.

“He has kept his promise to voters to serve five years in the post and given his successor a fair run in post before the next Senedd elections. He will be sorely missed.”

UNISON Cymru/Wales regional secretary Jess Turner said: “We thank Mark Drakeford for his close relationship with the trade union movement and the social partnership act which he helped deliver to place unions at the heart of decision-making in Wales.

“We look forward to working with the next Welsh Labour leader to prioritise public sector workers and the vital services they provide.”

FUW President Ian Rickman said: “We thank the First Minister Mark Drakeford for his service to Wales and wish him the best in his future endeavours.

“We look forward to working with the next First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader to be appointed, ensuring that we continue to see thriving, sustainable, family farms in Wales.”

BRICKBATS AMID THE PRAISE

Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “I recognise and pay tribute to the First Minister’s dedication to public life and, in particular, the tone of his leadership through the pandemic.

“We have built a constructive relationship in delivering transformative policies through the Cooperation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

“When he took office, the First Minister spoke of the opportunities that came with the position of Leading the Welsh Government. Regrettably, those opportunities have been squandered, resulting in longer waiting lists, falling educational standards and a stagnant economy.

“The First Minister told me in the Senedd yesterday that the question of his successor was ‘nothing to do’ with me. But who can become First Minister through an internal Labour Party election matters to all of us.”

The Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds MS, said: “I’d like to personally thank the First Minister for his leadership and dedication to Wales throughout his five years in the role.

“Whether you agree or disagree with the First Minister and his government’s decisions, it would be untrue to say that Mark has lacked any passion for his job.

“Throughout his time in office, he was provided consistent and clear leadership that has steered this country through difficult times. For that, we owe him a debt of gratitude.

“On a personal level, Mark has shown me nothing but kindness and support throughout my time in the Senedd, and I will forever be grateful.”

Ms Dodds continued: “As a nation, we face multiple crises in our NHS, our schools, our economy and the cost of living.

“We desperately need fresh ideas and a real drive to radically change the future of our country for the better.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies MS, said: “I wish Mark well as he stands down from the helm.

“While we may have different visions for Wales, I know colleagues join me 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.

“Labour politicians jockeying for the role of First Minister must not detract from this.”

Community

Milford Haven pays tribute on ANZAC Day

Published

6 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A COMMEMORATION service was held on Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, on Sunday (Apr 27) to mark ANZAC Day and to honour those who fell in all conflicts, especially at Gallipoli and Normandy.

The event also paid tribute to the crew of the Wellington bomber that crashed near the site during the Second World War.

A strong turnout gathered for the moving service, with local groups including the Sea Cadets, Royal British Legion, and military representatives in attendance. Milford Haven’s Mayor, Councillor William Elliott, laid a wreath on behalf of the town.

The service, organised by the Royal British Legion Club – Milford Haven, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the ANZAC forces and others over the years.

A spokesperson for Milford Haven Town Council said: “A lovely turnout for the ANZAC Day memorial service. We will remember them!”

ANZAC Day is observed annually in Australia and New Zealand, and across the world, to commemorate the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who fought at Gallipoli during the First World War, as well as those who served and died in all wars and conflicts.

(Images: MHTC)

Community

Raw sewage floods school playground hours after major development plans lodged

Published

6 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A MAJOR sewage flood at Broad Haven School has sparked outrage in the village, coming just hours after a planning application was submitted for a 76-home development that would put even greater pressure on the area’s already stretched infrastructure.

On Saturday (Apr 26), a burst sewage pipe flooded the school’s playground, covering it in raw sewage in scenes likened by locals to “cattle slurry.” Welsh Water responded quickly with vans and engineers to contain the incident. Pembrokeshire County Council contractors were on site on Sunday disinfecting the contaminated area and working to remove the worst of the stench.

Fortunately, the sewage did not enter the school building itself. However, the lower part of the playground — where the playgroup stores its outdoor equipment — has been badly affected. The Herald understands much of the playgroup’s equipment is likely beyond saving.

The school is hopeful it will be able to open as normal on Monday (Apr 28), although the playgroup section will remain closed due to the loss of equipment.

The timing of the flood could not be more controversial. Just the day before, Mill Bay Homes submitted a major planning application to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority for 76 houses on land east of Marine Parade in Broad Haven. Developers have pledged £500,000 to upgrade pumping systems to support the new estate, but villagers fear that these improvements will not address the broader, long-standing problems with the area’s sewage system.

A concerned local resident, who asked not to be named, told The Herald: “It’s such an old system, it all needs starting from scratch. Millbay Homes are paying £500,000 to upgrade pumps, but it will only mitigate their own 72 houses. It won’t solve the wider problem.

“The treatment works already can’t cope. Now with bigger storms and more extreme weather, this kind of sewage spill is just going to happen more often.”

Official figures show that Broad Haven’s sewage treatment works discharged untreated sewage into the environment for more than 600 hours last year, with dozens of separate incidents recorded.

Pembrokeshire County Councillor for The Havens, Nick Neumann, visited the flooded school site on Saturday and praised Welsh Water for acting swiftly to clean and sterilise the area. However, he said the weekend’s events proved beyond doubt that urgent infrastructure investment is needed.

He said: “Dŵr Cymru really do need to double down and invest more into the infrastructure of The Havens. The frequency of discharges onto the beach is evidence enough that the system is not fit for current purpose, let alone for more properties.”

Councillor Neumann confirmed he would be writing to Dŵr Cymru this week to press for action. He urged residents to contact local MP Henry Tufnell to increase pressure on the authorities to secure major upgrades.

Broad Haven’s sewage system, designed decades ago for a much smaller village, relies on pumps to push waste uphill out of the valley to treatment works. The Herald understands that these facilities are now operating at or beyond their intended capacity.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority will now face mounting scrutiny as it considers the 76-home application against the backdrop of widespread concern about whether Broad Haven’s basic infrastructure can cope with further expansion.

Despite the creaking infrastructure, the water company have been praised for their swift response to the school incident by locals.

Welsh Water have been contacted for a comment.

In a seperate incident much of Broad Haven was without water on the same day due to a burst water main.

Community

Service held at Freshwater West to honour those lost in 1943 naval disaster

Published

22 hours ago

April 26, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRIBUTES PAID TO SAILORS AND MARINES WHO PERISHED IN LANDING CRAFT TRAGEDY

A MOVING service of remembrance was held at Freshwater West today (Thursday, April 24) to honour the memory of the sailors and Royal Marines who lost their lives when Landing Craft Gun (Large) 15 and 16 and HMS Rosemary were lost off the Pembrokeshire coast in April 1943.

The solemn gathering took place at the memorial above the beach where the disaster unfolded during a fierce storm 82 years ago. Wreaths were laid, prayers were said, and tributes were paid to the bravery and sacrifice of the men who perished in what remains one of Wales’ worst maritime tragedies.

Veterans, serving members of the armed forces, civic leaders, cadets, police, RNLI and residents joined together to pay their respects.

The disaster that should never have happened

On the night of April 25–26, 1943, LCG(L) 15 and LCG(L) 16, heavily laden and caught in a violent Atlantic gale, were refused shelter first at Fishguard and then at Milford Haven. Battered by enormous waves, both landing craft were swamped and ultimately sank off Freshwater West, taking dozens of men with them into the freezing sea.

HMS Rosemary, an ageing Royal Navy sloop, attempted a rescue but suffered tragedy of her own when six sailors drowned after their small boat capsized in the storm.

In total, at least 79 men—Royal Navy and Royal Marines—lost their lives. Many are buried in Milford Haven Cemetery or commemorated at naval memorials in Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham.

Community remembers

Representatives from the Royal British Legion, Milford Haven Sea Cadets, and local history groups attended today’s service, alongside members of the public who stood in silent tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

A minute’s silence was held overlooking the waters where the two landing craft went down, followed by the playing of the Last Post. Wreaths were laid on behalf of Milford Haven Town Council, Pembrokeshire County Council, the Royal Navy, and veterans’ organisations.

Speaking at the event, a representative said: “On this coastline where they were lost, we gather to remember not only their sacrifice, but also the tragedy of their passing. Their memory lives on in Milford Haven, and will never be forgotten.”

Relatives of some of the men travelled from across the country to attend, reflecting the enduring bond between those who serve and the communities they leave behind.

Calls for formal recognition

Despite the scale of the disaster, it received little public attention during the war, and the full findings of the Board of Enquiry were never released. Campaigners are continuing to call for a formal apology and greater national recognition ahead of the 85th anniversary in 2028.

As the wind swept across the beach today, the message from Freshwater West was clear: the sacrifices of April 1943 will always be remembered.