CLARE Drakeford, the wife of the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced.
A spokesman said: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister.
“The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.”
Drakeford has been First Minister of Wales since 2018 and was reappointed to the post in May 2021.
During the coronavirus pandemic he moved into a building in his garden to protect his wife and mother-in-law, who he said had been shielding.
They have lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years and have three adult children together.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed her condolences on Twitter.
She said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.
"On the occasions I met Clare it was obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was, and I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling.
"Sending him love and strength."
My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time. On the occasions I met Clare it was obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was, and I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. Sending him love and strength. https://t.co/sWdXsTsJBu
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 28, 2023
The leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price said:
“My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford.
"I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. My thoughts are with you and your family. We’re all here for you Mark.”
Labour leader Keir Starmer also sent his condolences to the First Minister of Wales.
In a statement he said: “I’m deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford.”
READ MORE: Daily Telegraph attempts to clear Prince Andrew's name with front page
“On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. I know just how close they were as a couple, and I can only imagine the sense of loss Mark and the whole family are feeling.
“They are all in our thoughts and prayers.”
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford.
"I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. I can’t imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. My heartfelt condolences go out to them."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel