News

Tributes and reactions from around Wales as Mark Drakeford quits

Published

2 years 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.”

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

13 minutes ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

2 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

6 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.