It is with profound grief that we confirm the tragic 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.. I cant imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling.My heartfelt condolences go out to them. The Welsh government announced Mrs Drakeford's death on Saturday. Councillor Joe Carter said: My personal opinion is the Mansion House would make an ideal official residence for the First Minister. DONT MISS:Jeremy Corbyn threat: The real reason we should be terrified [LATEST]Prince Harry wants "perks of Royalty" as a non-working royal [ANALYSIS]How to live longer: Best bread for longevity[INSIGHT]. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. Mr Drakeford has been the First Minister of Wales since 2018 - succeeding Carwyn Jones. First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Mark Drakeford "love and strength" following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". The old couple got married way Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also sent his and his party's condolences, saying: "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. Mark Drakeford in 2022 had to separate from her to keep her safe during much of the pandemic period. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. During the pandemic, the First Minister revealed that he was living in a separate building within the family home as he didn't want to pass on Covid to his wife or mother-in-law. In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford with his wife Clare, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. The pair share three children including one son, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, dies suddenly. Speaking to the BBC he said: "On a purely personal level both my wife and my mother fell ill with coronavirus at a point where I was not able to live at home because they were both vulnerable.". The cause of death remain unknown after Clare Drakeford died suddenly. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. Leader of the Labour Party, Kier Starmer, tweeted: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends," Ms Dodds said. The wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government said. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Instead, the pair led a seemingly ordinary life in their Cardiff property - though the matter has been the root of some debate. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, also joined in, saying: "I am sure you will all join me in sending deepest condolences to @MarkDrakeford on the sudden passing of his beloved wife, Clare. Mark and Clare Drakeford were married in 1977 and have three children together. Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. PA Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare married in 1977 and have three children together. He offered his "thoughts and prayers" during "this incredibly difficult time". On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. You can unsubscribe at any time. The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, said he was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Clare Drakefords passing. The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. Drakeford, who has been the first minister of Wales since 2018, 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. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. View our online Press Pack. The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, dies suddenly Mum-of-three Clare Drakeford was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. Mr and Mrs Drakeford have three adult children and lived together in Pontcanna, Cardiff, for 30 years, Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife. ", Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, GMB's Kate Garraway reveals crippling cost of caring for her husband Derek, Stephen Bear 'broke behind bars' as his company is shut down before he's jailed, Mum identified after dead baby is found on heathland, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. ", Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Jane Dodds, said her thoughts were with Mr Drakeford and his family at "this very difficult time".. ", Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, GMB's Kate Garraway reveals crippling cost of caring for her husband Derek, Stephen Bear 'broke behind bars' as his company is shut down before he's jailed, Mum identified after dead baby is found on heathland, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. ", Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru, said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford, who is also the leader of Welsh Labour, while Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: "I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". 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 is a Welsh politician and has been the First Minister for Wales since 2018 and the leader of Welsh Labour. Countries and territories where English is the national language or the native language of the majority. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. Anas Sarwar the leader of Scotlands democratic socialist party tweeted: "I cant put into words how heartbroken I am for Mark Drakeford and his family on the passing of his wife Clare. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. I want to send my condolences to Mark Drakeford after the terrible news about his wife Clare. Who was Clare Drakeford? Politicians and family members of the Welsh First Minister gathered for the funeral of his wife today. Inside the life of the Welsh First Ministers partner, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? Business Minister Lesley Griffiths said Mr Drakeford would be grateful for MSs' condolences. My thoughts are with you and your family. The Prince and Princess of Wales have also paid tribute, saying "sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family". "The strong leader Mark is today is in large part because of Mrs Drakeford's quiet and steadfast support, for which we will always be grateful.". Minimum wage increase 2022: Key dates and how much it rises by. 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. Speaking about their reconciliation after his self-imposed isolation ended, he said: "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. I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling, Price said. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford. WebClare Drakeford, the longtime wife of Mark Drakeford, who has served as the leader of the left-wing Welsh Labour Party and the First Minister of Wales since 2018, has died suddenly. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. 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.. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. ", Today presenters left stunned as woman looks unrecognisable after makeover, Im an over 50s fashion fan & tried on stunning new 35 floral dress at Dunnes, Dunnes Stores fans rushing to buy pink cargo jeans - and they cost just 25, Ireland braces for freeze blast as Met Eireann pinpoint exact day SNOW to fall, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Read about our approach to external linking. The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has today sent their condolences following the news of Clare Drakeford's passing. '', A second added: So sorry to hear the sad news of Clare Drakefords sudden passing. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. The Welsh The couple had been married since 1977 and had three children together. First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Mark Drakeford "love and strength" following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Clare Drakeford is rarely seen in public with her husband Mark, Kate Middleton and Zara Tindall show 'strong bonds' despite 'contrast', Meghan Markle uses surprising technique to command attention, Jeremy Corbyn threat: The real reason we should be terrified, Prince Harry wants "perks of Royalty" as a non-working royal, How to live longer: Best bread for longevity. "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.". Downing Street said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. Who is Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford? "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. One person Tweeted: ''We are saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford and send our heartfelt condolences to her beloved husband, Mark Drakeford. Events to mark 300 years since birth of Richard Price, a radical who helped build the modern world Clare Drakeford, wife of Waless first minister, dies. Ms Jones added: "It's little understood by people outside this chamber but often what pains one of us can pain all of us. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. From the offset of his senior political career, Welsh leader Mark Drakeford was frank about his wifes role in his ministerial position. 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. On behalf of the whole Labour party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family, he said. 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. The family have lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years. Glamorgan Cricket shared their condolences on Twitter with a photo of the First Minister and Clare Drakeford watching the team play. They attended the private service at Wenallt Chapel in Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, on Thursday morning, to pay respects to Mark Drakeford's wife Clare, who died suddenly last month age 71. Speaking on an ITV Wales podcast, the First Minister said: "It is a bit emotional. Mr Drakeford said he had been living in a separate building in the garden of his family home while Mrs Drakeford stayed inside the main home. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.". ", Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakefords passing. In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with Covid. Inside the life of the Welsh First Ministers partner MARK DRAKEFORD has served as leader of the Welsh Labour party since 2018, all the while maintaining a 45-year marriage to his wife, Clare - but who is she? First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, has had the support of his wife throughout his political career. ", First minister says wife and mother had Covid. Drakeford said he had been living in a separate building in the garden of his family home while his wife stayed inside the main home. WebSee tweets of Aimee Drane PhD @aimeedrane on Twitter. Following the news of her passing, Daby said: ''Sending condolences to Mark and his family after the terribly sad passing of Clare Drakeford. First Minister put up in five-star hotel in Qatar during World Cup. Mark Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and have three children. by Annie Mercado. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford with his wife Clare, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. ", 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. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price posted on social media: "My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford. 16 February 2023 A funeral has been held for the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. 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 have three children. W & C.", The First Minister of Scotland and SNP Leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time. The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has today sent their condolences following the news of Clare Drakeford's passing. Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife.