Wales's first minister Mark Drakeford announces retirement

Drakeford made the shocking announcement on Wednesday morning, five years to the day after being elected as Welsh Labour's leader for the first time.

He had previously stated that he would resign from the Senedd during the current term and would not compete for office again in the next election.

Mr Drakeford has represented Cardiff West in the Senedd since 2011 and will turn 70 in September.


He resigned the day after, at her request, he began an investigation under the ministerial code against one of his cabinet members.

In March, he will legally step down as first minister, having resigned as head of the Labour Party.

By the Easter break, the first minister will be replaced.

Nominations for his successor's election would soon be open, Mr Drakeford announced in a statement from the members' balcony.

Being the leader of his party and the Welsh government, he said, had been a "huge privilege".

"Working with a newly elected Labour government in London" is what he hoped his successor would get to experience.