Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford announces resignation

New leadership contest to be held

After five years in the job, Mark Drakeford has announced that he will step down as Welsh Labour leader immediately. This decision will trigger a new leadership contest, with Drakeford expressing his hope that a replacement will be in place before Easter 2024.

Resignation statement

In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Drakeford explained his decision: "When I stood for election as Leader of Welsh Labour, I said I would stand down during the current Senedd term. That time has now come. It has been a great privilege to serve as leader of this party."

Remaining as First Minister

During a news conference in Cardiff, Drakeford confirmed that he will continue to fulfill his role as First Minister until his replacement is appointed. He emphasized that he will remain "in the full sense of that job."