Clare Drakeford, wife of first minister of Wales, dies suddenly

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has passed on his deepest condolences to the Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford

Wales’s first minister Mark Drakeford pictured with his wife Clare (PA Wire)

The wife of Wales’s first minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh government has confirmed.

A 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.”

Mr Drakeford became first minister of Wales in 2018 and was reappointed to the post in May 2021. During the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Drakeford moved into a building in his garden to protect his wife and his mother-in-law, who he said had been shielding.

The family have lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years. Mr Drakeford and his wife have three adult children together.

Politicians across the Welsh parliament expressed their sympathy for Mr Drakeford and his family following the news of his wife’s death.

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. I’m shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing.”

Adam Price, the leader of Plaid Cymru, said his heart was “absolutely breaking” for Mr Drakeford.

“On behalf of Plaid Cymru, I send my deepest condolences to the Prif Weinidog [first minister] after the sudden death of his wife Clare Drakeford,” Mr Price said. “I know how close Mark and Clare were and can only imagine the pain he must be feeling. My thoughts are with the whole family at this difficult time.”

Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: “My heartfelt sympathies go out to the first minister at this very difficult time. On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.”

Jo Stevens, the Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: “So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford’s death. The thoughts and sympathy of all us in Cardiff Central Labour Party and across the Welsh parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.”