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.”

News

Pembrokeshire chef admits drink-driving after 14-hour shift

Published

9 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

A Pembrokeshire chef who was seen stumbling around in the road after crashing his car was found to be almost twice over the legal drink-drive limit.

Jamie Pope, 27, was seen stumbling in the road in the early hours of December 1 following a 14-hour cooking shift at a restaurant in Saundersfoot, His vehicle, a VW Golf, had been involved in a one- vehicle collision and damage had been caused to its bumper.

“Police received reports that a car had been involved in an accident and the driver appeared to be intoxicated or on drugs,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“Jamie Pope was seen stumbling around in the road and he appeared emotionally erratic and aggressive.”

When the officers approached Pope, he screamed at them, threatening to headbut one of the female officers.

“He said he was going to nut them,” added Ms Vaughan.

A roadside breath test proved positive while further breath tests carried out at the police station showed Pope had 65 mcg of alcohol in his system. The legal limit is 35.

Pope, who previously resided at Maes yr Odyn, Narberth, pleaded guilty to drink-driving as well as an additional charge of obstructing or resisting an officer in the execution of their duty.

He was legally represented in court by Mr Michael Kelleher.

“He was going through a very emotional time in his personal life and he’d just worked a long 14-hour shift as a chef,” he said. “He’d been drinking at work and crashed his car on the way home. He was annoyed with himself, as he’d behaved outrageously.”

Mr Kelleher said that as a result of the offence, Pope has lost his job and his relationship had ended.

“He has now left Pembrokeshire and is living with his parents in Somerset.” he said.

Pope was sentenced to a 12 month Community Order during which he must carry out ten rehabilitation activity requirement days and 60 hours of unpaid work. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months.

News

Six-month old baby girl confirmed dead after being hit by car in Pembrokeshire car park

Published

11 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

Police have confirmed that a six-month old baby girl has died following a collision on the ground floor of Tenby multi-storey car park on January 2.

Sophia Keleman, from the Leigh, Manchester, was taken to hospital, but died of her injuries on January 3.

Thirty-three year old Flaviu Naghi, from Wigan, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence and driving without insurance. He appeared before Swansea Magistrates Court on Saturday where he was remanded in custody to appear before Swansea Crown Court on February 7. He was also arrested in suspicion of drink-driving and drug-driving.

Dyfed-Powys Police has confirmed that Sophia’s family is currently being supported by specially trained officers.

News

Award-winning Welsh fashion designer stands down for health reasons

Published

14 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Sarah Jane Absalom

One of Wales’ most enigmatic and successful fashion designers – Huw ‘Fash’ Rees – is to hang up his tailors’ shears for good later this year following his announcement that his bridal gown company – Huw Rees Brides – is to close.

In an announcement made on social media last weekend, Huw said his ongoing health issues leaves insufficient time for running his business in Llandeilo. As a result, Huw Rees Brides will close by the end of March, 2025.

“It’s been a difficult decision, not taken lightly,” he said.

“But all our brides have been contacted and we will continue to work with all current brides until their weddings. There is no scandal, and no one will be left without a dress.”

Huw went on to say that later this year he will become an official celebrant.

Huw Rees Brides was launched in 2008, since when it has won no fewer than 14 national awards. He is also a regular face on S4C’s ‘Prynhawn Da’ and ‘Heno’ magazine programmes where he presents the regular fashion slots.

Huw was first admitted to hospital in 2019, complaining of severe stomach pains. Tests confirmed that he had been suffering from kidney disease for a considerable period of time. The initial prognosis was that with medical treatment coupled with a healthy diet, he wouldn’t have to undertake dialysis nor a new kidney. But nine months later he was told that he would have to commence dialysis.

“I was worried, as I knew the effects that dialysis can have on a person’s life,” he said in a previous Radio Cymru interview.

“You have to be on the machine three times a week, for four hours a day, and to me, this felt like ‘broken heart syndrome’.

“But I knew how important it was to follow the guidance of the specialists, listen to what they had to say and start dialysis as soon as possible.”

His treatment began just two days after Christmas, 2019.

“I went in for a blood test and was told that things had got considerably worse, with the result that they decided to begin dialysis that very same day,” he said.

Throughout his treatment, Huw feared that his work would one day have to take a backward step.

“My work has always been my life, as this is what I love doing,” he said.

“But the care I’ve received from the NHS has been exceptional.

“The dialysis team has been so supportive, and not once have I been left feeling isolated.

“Also, the response I’ve had from the public since announcing the closure of the business last Saturday has been incredible and the messages of support have been pouring in.

“Those messages have meant a great deal to myself and to the girls, but the decision to close is a positive one, which will allow me some freedom to pursue other less consuming interests.”

Huw ‘Fash’ went on to say that instead of selling wedding gowns, he will soon become a licensed celebrant.

Latest Welsh government figures confirm that Kidney Replacement Therapy treatments, such as dialysis, are currently being given to around 1,400 Welsh residents a year.

There are also almost 1,800 Welsh patients living with a functioning kidney transplant, who require ongoing clinical review, psychosocial support and immunosuppressive drug treatments. All forecasts consistently demonstrate that the need for these services for adults will grow by between 4 and 5% year on year.

The number of children reaching end stage kidney disease per annum is around two per million of the total population. In Wales this corresponds to approximately six new cases per year. There are approximately 50 children on Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT) in Wales at any one time, many with a kidney transplant.

Meanwhile Huw Rees has confirmed that all stock, including current gowns, is now being sold for £350 or less.