NEXT FIRST MINISTER’S ‘BEACON OF HOPE’ VOW
MARK DRAKEFORD SETS OUT ‘RADICAL’ AGENDA AS HE WINS WELSH LABOUR LEADERSHIP RACE
MARK Drakeford is set to become the next First Minister next week after winning the vote to become the new leader of Welsh Labour yesterday.
The Finance Secretary and Cardiff West AM, 64, beat contenders Vaughan Gething and Eluned Morgan to succeed Carwyn Jones.
Mr Drakeford won 53.9% of the vote when the result was announced by Labour officials at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
He is expected to be confirmed as First Minister on Wednesday after Mr Jones tenders his resignation to the Queen on Tuesday.
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.
“The choice for a Labour Party true to our roots as a party in the radical socialist tradition of Aneurin Bevan and Michael Foot and of Rhodri Morgan.”
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: “And 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 of our history.
“Determined in our duty to ensure our most radical successful days lie ahead of us.
“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: “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.”
But opposition parties warned he faces a “huge task” in solving the nation’s issues.
The Welsh Conservatives called for a new election in the National Assembly, while Plaid Cymru described the Welsh Government as “tired”.
Paul Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives group in the Assembly, said: “People across the country are crying out for change but I fear that the result of this election is simply going to give us more of the same.”
“While Mark Drakeford has a mandate to lead from the Labour Party, he has no mandate to lead from the Welsh people; only a Welsh Assembly election will provide an opportunity for the public to endorse, or otherwise, his plans.”
The choice has been made for a Labour Party which is ambitious for a distinctive Wales in a successful United Kingdom
A spokeswoman from Plaid Cymru said the party congratulated Mr Drakeford and wished him well.
“The mountain of issues he faces is great and it is a mountain largely of their own making,” she said.
“They were part of a Labour administration that has left us with an economy that still bounces across the bottom of league tables and public services crying out for help.
“Unfortunately after 20 years of Labour-led governments we can’t expect much to change, even if the face at the top does.
“At such a crucial time, Wales needs more than a superficial change of Labour leader. Old faces, delivering old ideas for a nation that has moved on. We are calling time on this tired Labour Welsh government. Now’s the time for new energy, new ideas and a new direction. Plaid Cymru is ready to lead on to a New Wales.”
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 will meet with Mark after his formal appointment next week and I am sure that we can continue the positive collaboration between both governments in Wales.
“I would also like to extend my personal thanks to Carwyn Jones, whose commitment to the role and service to the country has been commendable. I wish him well for the future.”
Speaking to us after the result was revealed, Mrs Morgan said: “I’m obviously disappointed but I think Mark will be a great leader, we’ll all come together now and just make sure we really do the best we can for the people of Wales.”
Mr Gething said: “I’m really prooud of the campaign that we ran. Obviously, disappointed to lose but we have a clear choice and it’s our job now to get behind the new leadership in Welsh Labour to deliver for Wales.”