THE wife of Wales’s First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced.
Clare Drakeford had been married to the minister for 45 years and had three children together.
1Wales’ First Minister’s wife has diedA Welsh Government spokesperson said: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare 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 is respected.”
Her cause of death is not yet known.
Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his “vulnerable” wife for much of the pandemic.
The pair had lived in separate homes in order to “keep her safe”.
He told ITV Wales: “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.”
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.
“On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.”
Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: “So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford’s death.
“The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.”
Story Credit: thesun.co.uk