Claire Drakeford, wife of First Minister of Wales, dies suddenly

Jack WolfJanuary 28, 2023

The wife of Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh local government announced on Saturday.

UPDATE 1800: Reactions

Reacting to the death of Claire Drakeford, wife of Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, his counterpart in Scotland, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, told the BBC: “At this terribly sad time, my thoughts are with Mark and his family.”

Sturgeon, leader of the left-wing separatist Scottish National Party (SNP), added that when she met Mrs Drakeford it was “obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark is.”

“I can only imagine the depth of grief he is experiencing. Sending him love and strength,” Sturgeon said.

Andrew R. T. Davies, leader of the opposition Conservative Party in the local parliament for Wales (Senedd), said he was “shocked and deeply saddened” when he learned of her passing.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family during this exceptionally difficult time,” Davis said, adding: “On the occasions that I have met Claire, she has always been a sweet woman, very warm and kind.”

The original story follows:

Claire Drakeford, longtime wife of Mark Drakeford, who has served as leader of the leftist Welsh Labor Party and Welsh First Minister since 2018, has died suddenly. The couple have been married since 1977 and have three children.

Announcing her passing, a spokesman for the Welsh local government, which plays a role in the UK in much the same role as the state government in the United States, said on Saturday: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Claire Drakeford. , wife of the first minister.

“The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with their families right now and we ask that their privacy be respected.”

This story develops…

The Welsh Government has confirmed the sudden death of the First Minister’s wife, Claire Drakeford. pic.twitter.com/T4ho5tcdGu

— Gareth Accenderry (@gaxenderrie) January 28, 2023