Wife of Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly

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Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford, has “suddenly” died, according to the Welsh Government.

A Welsh Government spokesperson 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.”

Mark and Clare Drakeford were married in 1977 and have three children together.

Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, had the support of his wife throughout his political career. Clare Drakeford had three children with the Welsh Government leader since their marriage in 1977 and continued to support her husband’s ministerial ventures after nearly a decade in Cabinet.

Since deciding to run for First Minister of Wales, the 67-year-old had expressed concern about the impact on his family.

In 2021, the BBC reported: “When Carwyn Jones announced in 2018 he was stepping down, Mr Drakeford’s supporters urged him to throw his hat in the ring quickly.

“He insists he was hesitant at first. What would the impact be on his wife Clare and their three grown-up children, he wondered.”

 

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