Mark Drakeford confirms plan to STAND DOWN as Welsh First Minister as popularity reaches new low
First Minister of Wales and Leader of Welsh Labour Mark Drakeford
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Mark Drakeford has confirmed he intends to stand down as Welsh First Minister as his popularity reaches an 18-month low.
The Cardiff West AM, who led Welsh Labour to victory in the 2021 Senedd Election, yesterday announced he would leave Cathays Park almost five years after succeeding Carwyn Jones.
Drakeford, 69, said: "I've always said I would stand down around the middle point of the Senedd term."
He also claimed people could "put money" on him leaving office by the end of 2024, adding it is "highly likely" a new First Minister will be in place by next Christmas.
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However, Drakeford's comments come after an ITV Wales/YouGov BarnCymru poll showed that his popularity is at an 18-month low.
More than half of respondents (56 per cent) believe he is doing a bad job as First Minister.
The survey also suggested Welsh Labour's Senedd lead had been cut to just 10 per cent in the constituency ballot and six points on the regional vote.
Plaid Cymru appear to have replaced the Welsh Tories in second place.
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PAExplaining Drakeford's popualirity dip, Dr Jac Larner said: "Two things to bear in mind is that he is the figurehead for Welsh Labour and the Welsh Government, so it would make sense that if there’s any unpopular decisions, he would take the blame for that.
"The second thing is that he’s just not as visible as much as he was during the pandemic when he was on TV every day.
"Even despite this big drop off, he remains the most popular leader of any of the Welsh parties, especially when you take into account how well known he is compared to Andrew RT Davies and Rhun ap Iorwerth."
Drakeford came into office in December 2018 after serving as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Health Minister.
First Minister of Wales and Leader of Welsh Labour Mark DrakefordGETTYDespite Wales voting to leave the European Union, the Remain-supporting AM also served as Welsh Brexit Minister.
Drakeford pushed ahead with controversial measures to introduce a default speed limit of 20 miles per hour speed limits.
More than 450,000 people signed a petition opposing the measure.
However, the outgoing First Minister defended the policy by insisting the change is a "small thing to ask".