The Farmers’ Union of Wales has paid tribute to Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford, who stood down as Welsh Labour leader today (Wednesday 13 December 2023) and will be stepping down as First Minister in March 2024.
Mr Drakeford said nominations for his successor as leader will open shortly, and the process will be concluded by the end of the Senedd Spring term, enabling the contest winner to be put to the Senedd before Easter recess. He will remain as First Minister until that time but will stand down as Leader of Welsh Labour immediately.
Commenting on the news, FUW President Ian Rickman said: “We thank the First Minister Mark Drakeford for his service to Wales and wish him the best in his future endeavours.
“As a Union we know that family farms in particular are at the heart of our rural economy, caring for our landscape, and of course our culture, and they make innumerable other contributions to the well-being of Wales and the UK. We look forward to working with the next First Minister and Welsh Labour Leader to be appointed, ensuring that we continue to see thriving, sustainable, family farms in Wales.”