Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. Im shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing.". Clare Buckle and Drakeford has been married for 46 years. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Business Minister Lesley Griffiths said Mr Drakeford would be grateful for MSs' condolences. The couple had been married since 1977 and had three children together. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". "My heartfelt condolences go out to them.". A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. 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. ''Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family.''. The MP for Holborn and St Pancras wrote on Twitter: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. Madonnas older brother Anthony Ciccone is no more with us as he recently passed away. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other, Sunak tweeted. "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.". A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. The mum-of-three was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of years and throughout his political career. He also said he was hesitant about running to be first minister when Carwyn Jones stepped down in 2018 because of the potential impact on his family. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare married in 1977 and have three children together. The couple has been together since the 70s. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. Paying tribute to Clare today, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. View our online Press Pack. "I hope the happy memories Mark and Clare had together are a comfort at this difficult time.". PA Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru, said his heart is absolutely breaking for Waless first minister. Leader of the Labour Party, Kier Starmer, tweeted: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. The cause of death remain unknown after Clare Drakeford died suddenly. We're all here for you Mark. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. Taking to Twitter, the University wrote: ''The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. "It's one thing doing it, as I do from my own home, but it is a completely different matter if you don't have somewhere you can regard as your own base.. The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. The family have lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers," Sir Keir added. A spokesman confirmed the news with "deep sadness". In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". ", Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Jane Dodds, said her thoughts were with Mr Drakeford and his family at "this very difficult time".. I cant imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Last year, Mr Drakeford told ITV: The day will come when the first minister will be from north Wales and that person will be needed to stay in Cardiff for lots of their working life. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. I'm shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". CLARE DRAKEFORD, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford died "suddenly", the Welsh Government announced yesterday. My thoughts are with you and your family. 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. It is a bit emotional. They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. The couple have three adult children. CLARE DRAKEFORD, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford died "suddenly", the Welsh Government announced yesterday. Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. "My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time," he said. 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. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.. In February 2021, Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his vulnerable wife for most of 2020 in order to keep her safe. We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price did the same and said it was "difficult to comprehend" the blow to the first minister. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. 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. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, called the news "absolutely devastating". The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. She is famous for her continual reinvention and uniqueness in music production. Read about our approach to external linking. Who is Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford? A spokesman confirmed the Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife. Mark Drakeford Wife Dies Suddenly. Mark Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and have three children. First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, responding to the news in a post on Twitter, said she was sending her Welsh counterpart "love and strength". W & C". He said: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. Welsh politicians have held a moment's silence for First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, in the Senedd chamber after she died suddenly. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. Family and friends of the couple, as well as senior politicians, attended the private service at Wenallt Chapel in Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, on Thursday morning. ''They are all in my thoughts and prayers.''. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. A spokesperson for the Welsh government confirmed the news saying: "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected." ", The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. "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. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". The family have lived in the Pontcanna area of Cardiff for 30 years. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. The mum-of-three was married to the The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. Mark and Clare Drakeford were married in 1977 and have three children together. Media Coverage; Podcast; Films. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. 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. Mr Drakeford, who became first minister in 2018 and was reappointed to the post in May 2021, later described their reunion as "a bit emotional". In a statement, a spokesperson for the Welsh government said: "It is with deep More info. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together 29th The huge Grade II listed building on Richmond Road in Roath is just two miles from Senedd in Cardiff Bay. 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 said they were in the top four vaccination priority groups "due to their conditions". The Prince and Princess of Wales have also paid tribute, saying "sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family". "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends," Ms Dodds said. Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Welsh First Minster Mark Drakeford love and strength following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly. ", First minister says wife and mother had Covid. 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 thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. For other inquiries, Contact Us. ", 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. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford.On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. The Prince and Princess of Wales have Tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.". "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill offered her condolences, saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they mourn their loss and come to terms with their grief.". His wife, Clare Drakeford, 66, and her 94-year-old mother, have both shielded during the pandemic due to their health conditions. "He insists he was hesitant at first. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, expressed: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Read about our approach to external linking. My heartfelt condolences go out to them.. 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. The entire Scottish Labor family sends our love and condolences. Words of condolence have poured in from across the political spectrum. 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.". Video, 00:01:39, Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Canadian grandma helps police snag phone scammer, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause. Photograph: Geoff Caddick/AFP/Getty Images Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. A Welsh government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the first minister. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford. Mr Drakeford gave the public a heartfelt insight into the pairs loving relationship when he shared his emotional reunion with his wife after their time spent living so close, yet so far from one another. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. The news was confirmed by a Welsh Government spokesman on Saturday. Rishi Sunak sent his "heartfelt condolences" to Mark Drakeford and his family. First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, had the support of his wife throughout his political career. Africa: Saint Helena; Americas What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? Video, 00:01:39Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Wife of Wales' FM Mark Drakeford dies suddenly. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". Labour & Co-op MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby, has joined hundreds of others in paying tribute to Clare Drakeford today. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? The MP for Holborn and St Pancras wrote on Twitter: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. Downing Street has confirmed that Prime MinisterRishi Sunakhad passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. Louis Allwood 29th Jan 2023, 07:00 The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has today sent their condolences following the news of Clare Drakeford's passing. A spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that we BBC Wales previously reported that before he threw his hat into the ring, he was hesitant at first - with the family man considering what the impact on his wife and their three children may be. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Speaking to the ITV Wales podcast in August 2021, he said: "I've 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. A statement read: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. 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"On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. Labour & Co-op MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby, has joined hundreds of others in paying tribute to Clare Drakeford today. Mark Drakeford in 2022 had to separate from her to keep her safe during much of the pandemic period. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind.". 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.". While speaking on an ITV Wales podcast, the father of three said: It is a bit emotional. Web28 January Clare Drakeford, wife of Mark Drakeford, 71 [13] [17] 9 February Charlie Faulkner, rugby international and coach, 81 [39] 14 February Christine Pritchard, actress ( Pobol y Cwm, Cara Fi ), 79 [40] References [ edit] ^ "Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS: First Minister of Wales". Mr Drakeford told the news outlet of the very strange feeling he had when he returned to his home, adding that he had forgotten how big it is. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. The wife of the first minister died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. The grand Victorian building was built at a time when lord mayors needed accommodation. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time, he wrote on Twitter. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". Despite the former first minister Carwyn Jones arguing it would be overkill, Mr Drakeford raised his own concerns for future ministers who are not local to the countrys capital city. 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. The couple were living in Cardiff at the time of Mrs Drakeford's death. Jason, and Victoria Jones, landed their whopping 2.3milli Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. 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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., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. The Mark Drakeford interview as First Minister confirms he intends to stand down in 2024, Wales' new Senedd elects a First Minister and Presiding Officer, Mark Drakeford is the most popular UK leader, new poll shows, Mark Drakeford leaving the Kings Road polling station in Pontcanna with his wife Clare in 2022. 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). The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. The pair share three children including one son, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. A Welsh Government spokesman said: Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. 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