The wife of Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford dies suddenly

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The Welsh Government has announced that Larry Drakeford, wife of First Minister for Wales Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm the sudden death of Claire Drakeford, wife of the First Minister.

“The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy be respected.”

Mr Drakeford worked as a probation officer and with the Barnardos charity before entering academia and becoming a professor at Cardiff University.

He was elected to the Welsh Assembly in 2011 and appointed first minister in 2018.

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The couple married in 1977 and have three children.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Drakeford has moved into a building in his garden to protect his wife and mother-in-law, who he says has been standing up for her.

He told the Palestinian News Agency in February 2021 that they were among the first four priority groups for vaccination “because of their circumstances.”

Mr Drakeford added at the time: “I am very grateful, as they are both vulnerable. And although they were very careful and didn’t do anything to put them at risk, the fact that they got the vaccine is a relief.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales said they “send our thoughts and prayers out to Mark Drakeford and his family.”

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price tweeted: “My heart breaks completely for @PrifWeinidog upon hearing of the death of his wife Claire Drakeford. I know how close you are and there are no words to describe the pain you are feeling. My thoughts are with you and your family. We are all here for you Mark.”

His Welsh Conservative counterpart, Andrew RT Davies, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this very difficult time.

“On the occasions I have met Claire, she has always been a lovely lady and was so warm and kind. I am shocked and very saddened to hear of her passing.”

Mark and Claire Drakeford

/ PA

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said she was sending “love and strength” to Mark Drakeford following the news.

“My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this very sad time,” Sturgeon wrote on Twitter.

“On the occasions I have met Claire, it has been evident how strong the bond between her and Mark is, and I can only imagine the depth of grief he feels.

“Send him love and strength.”

Downing Street said Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had privately conveyed his deepest condolences to Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer sent his condolences.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Claire Drakeford’s untimely passing,” he said in a statement.

On behalf of the entire Labor Party, I send my deepest condolences to Mark and the entire family. I know how close they are as a couple, and I can only imagine the sense of loss Mark and the entire family must feel.

“They are all in our thoughts and prayers.”

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