Welsh co-leads call retiring First Minister ‘a friend of the Federation’

21 December 2023

The Welsh co-leads say the ‘Federation will be losing an ally’ as they react to news that Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford has resigned.

Leigh Godfrey and Zac Mader have described Mr Drakeford as ‘a friend of the Federation’, following last week’s announcement that he will be retiring after five years in office.

Zac said that over the past six months, Mr Drakeford has ‘really got behind’ a number of the Federation’s campaigns, especially calls for an Elizabeth Medal to be given in honour of fallen officers.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies, PC Owen Bedford,
Inspector Paul Ramsay and Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford.

“Mr Drakeford attended this year’s national Police Bravery Awards, which prompted him to invite the Welsh nominations to an exclusive reception a few months later. He had a clear interest in the officers and was genuinely shocked at the bravery and courage they had demonstrated,” said Zac.

Echoing Zac’s comments, Leigh called Mr Drakeford ‘a decent and caring man’, adding: “He is a genuinely nice person and a real ally to the Federation."

Both Zac and Leigh look forward to working with the First Minister, all within the Senedd and at Westminster.