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.
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.
