‘I’ll make Wales a beacon of hope’
MARK Drakeford is set to become the next First Minister after winning the vote to become the new leader of Welsh Labour last Thursday.
The Finance Secretary and Cardiff West AM, 64, beat contenders Vaughan Gething and Eluned Morgan to succeed Carwyn Jones, winning 53.9% of the vote when the result was announced at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
He is expected to be confirmed as First Minister today (Wednesday).
Mr Drakeford told party members in his victory speech that he would work to ensure a Labour government in Westminster, and promised to govern “in the radical socialist tradition of Aneurin Bevan and Michael Foot”.
He also said he would dedicate himself to creating a “Wales which is a beacon of hope in a darkening world”.
Mr Drakeford said: “I said at the beginning of this campaign in March I would be the candidate to offer a political choice.
“The choice has been made for a Labour Party which is ambitious for a distinctive Wales in a successful United Kingdom; for a Labour Party here in Wales which will do everything we can to make sure we have a Labour government in Westminster, to work in a Labour government here in Wales.”
Mr Drakeford promised “practical ideas” for “economic justice, social justice, environmental justice, and for democratic renewal”. He thanked party members for the confidence shown in him, and said he would ensure Wales’ “most radical and successful days” were ahead.
Mr Drakeford added: “Now our thoughts must turn to exactly that – taking forward the passionate commitment of this party in protecting and promoting the interests of Welsh citizens during this perilous period.
“This afternoon I dedicate all the strength and energy and the commitment I can bring to the essential common task in which, together, we create a Welsh Labour Party and a Wales which is a beacon of hope in a darkening world and a future which works for the many in our society and not simply a privileged few.”
In the first round of voting, Mr Drakeford won 46.9% of the vote, with Mr Gething winning 30.8% and Mrs Morgan 22.3%.
Mrs Morgan was then eliminated from the contest, with her votes being distributed to the remaining two who listed them as second preference, leaving Mr Drakeford with 53.9% and Mr Gething with 41.4%.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “I would like to congratulate Mark Drakeford on his election as leader of the Welsh Labour Party.
“As leader and as First Minister, I am confident that Mark will demonstrate what Labour in government can achieve by building a more equal society, even in the face of the Conservatives’ callous austerity agenda and cuts to the Welsh budget.
“I know Mark will relentlessly fight for the interests of the Welsh people and stand up to the Tories’ chronic underinvestment in Wales compared to other parts of the UK, particularly London.
“I thank Carwyn for his longstanding service to our party and I wish him well for the future.
“I am looking forward to working with Mark as he builds on this legacy, to deliver his bold plan for jobs, investment and pioneering proposals for a modern, low-carbon economy, run in the interests of the many, not the few.”
Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said: “I look forward to working closely with Mark Drakeford to secure a stronger economy in communities right across Wales, particularly as the UK embarks on this significant period of change. I am sure that we can continue the positive collaboration between both governments in Wales.”