Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, had the support of his wife throughout his political career. The First Minister has rarely spoken about his family life but in February 2021, he revealed he had been isolating from his wife for most of 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic in order to keep her and her elderly mother safe while they were shielding due to their health conditions. Hawara: 'What happened was horrific and barbaric'. Who is Mark Drakefords wife? The couple have three adult children. Labour leader Keir Starmer sends his condolences to Mark Drakeford for the loss of his wife. CLARE Drakeford, the wife of the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. First minister says wife and mother had Covid, Greek transport minister resigns after deadly train crash, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. ", Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. 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. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling," he said. The couple lived apart during much of the COVID pandemic, with Mr Drakeford staying in a building at the end of the couple's garden to allow him to carry on work while his wife remained at the house with his elderly mother-in-law, who was shielding. I cant imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. My thoughts are with you and your family. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. The Prime Minister tweeted: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford with his wife Clare Credit: AFP Who was Clare Drakeford? However, there is no information available about their children, as they are private individuals and their privacy is respected. Family and friends of the couple, as well as senior politicians, attended the private service at Wenallt Chapel in Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, on Thursday morning. 28/01/2023 Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "My heartfelt sympathies go out to the First Minister at this very difficult time. W & C. During the pandemic, it was revealed Mr Drakeford was living in a building in his garden to keep his family safe, saying his wife and mother-in-law were "vulnerable". Throughout his political career, Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, enjoyed the A Welsh Government He has written in-depth articles about the site's iterations and has used them since the beginning. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm. 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Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Were all here for you Mark. Tuesday 28 February 2023, 2:57pm. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, expressed: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Words of condolence have poured in from across the political spectrum. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare married in 1977 and have three children together. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. My deepest condolences to Mark and family at this really sad time. W & C.". He told ITV Wales: Ive been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody.. Clare Drakeford was Wales First Minister Mark Drakefords wife. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. ", Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakefords passing. "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.". The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said he was incredibly sad to hear about Clare Drakefords passing. I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. In 2018, his adopted son Jonathan was jailed for a child sexual offence and rape. The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. W & C". Video, At the crash site of 'no hope' - BBC reporter in Greece, Record numbers of guide dog volunteers after BBC story. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Welsh government said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, reportedly 66, wife of the first minister. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. View our online Press Pack. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other, Sunak tweeted. Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the seventh session of First Minister's Questions in 2023. "My heartfelt condolences go out to them.". ", Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sent his condolences in a statement, saying: "I'm deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. Sending him love and strength.". The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. Lembit Opik became a big name in Wales politics, mainly in parliament, as he began his political career as a Liberal Democrat candidate. The Mark Drakeford interview as First Minister confirms he intends to stand down in 2024, Wales' new Senedd elects a First Minister and Presiding Officer, Mark Drakeford is the most popular UK leader, new poll shows, Mark Drakeford leaving the Kings Road polling station in Pontcanna with his wife Clare in 2022. During his political career, Drakeford has focused on issues such as healthcare, social services, and finance, and he has been a strong advocate for the Welsh language and culture. Following the announcement of Mrs Drakeford's death, politicians from all parties in the Senedd extended their condolences to Mr Drakeford and his family. The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. Since 2018, Mark Drakeford has led the Welsh Labour Party while continuing his 45-year marriage to Clare Drakeford. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. When she and Mrs Drakeford met, she said it was "obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was". A Welsh Government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers. 2-min read. Mrs Drakeford was forced to follow medical advice to protect herself from the coronavirus throughout the pandemic, which kept her confined to the couple's Cardiff house. A spokesperson said: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.". "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.". I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.". ", The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. She had been I'm shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing.". The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. Read about our approach to external linking. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time Be with us till the end to know more about what happened to Mark Drakeford wife. The wife of Wales s first minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh government has confirmed. He stayed in a separate structure in the family homes garden while his wife remained inside the main house. Following the 2022 Israeli legislative election, Netanyahu is anticipated, Read More What Happened To Benjamin Netanyahu? "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu is an Israeli politician who was the countrys ninth Prime Minister from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2009 until 2021. He said: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. In December 2018, he was elected as the First Minister of Wales, the head of the Welsh government, and he continues to hold that position. Tributes have been paid from many politicians since the news broke with Downing Street confirming Prime Minister Rishi Sunak passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. Mark Drakeford (@PrifWeinidog) February 16, 2023 Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. What would the impact be on his wife Clare and their three grown-up children, he wondered.". A spokesman said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the Is there anything wrong with Lauren Boebert health? Weight Loss And Surgery Update, Emmanuel Macron Kids: How Many Kids Does Emmanuel Macron Have With His Wife Brigitte Macron? "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales, had the support of his wife throughout his political career. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers," Sir Keir added. People want to know about Clare Drakeford illness. More info. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. Downing Street said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. This was a difficult decision for the First Minister to make, but it was in the best interest of the health and safety of his family. Born Lauren Opal Boebert, Lauren Boebert is a well-known politician and businesswoman. "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support. ", Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies sent his thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family: "Absolutely devastating news to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. During the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Drakeford moved into a building in his garden to protect his wife and mother-in-law, who he said had been shielding. The First Minister has been on compassionate leave since his late wife died suddenly. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. The First Minister has been on compassionate leave since his late wife died suddenly. The mum-of-three was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of years and throughout his political career. A spokesman confirmed the ", In a personal tweet on their official account, William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, wrote: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. 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. He began his political career in 2011 when he was elected as a Member of the Senedd (Welsh Assembly) for Cardiff West. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together 29th I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. Mr Drakeford has been First Minister of Wales since 2018. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died The mother-of-three had been married to Labour veteran Mark, 68, since 1977 and is said My heartfelt condolences go out to them.. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. A funeral has been held for the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it was revealed Mr Drakeford was living in a building in his garden to keep his family safe, saying his wife and mother-in-law were "vulnerable" and in the top four vaccination priority groups. Mark Drakeford has spoken about how St David's Day is an "opportunity for us to show who we are and what we stand for". The tributes in the Senedd followed an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum after Mrs Drakeford's death was announced. 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