Read about our approach to external linking. It comes hours after it was announced that Clare Drakeford had died suddenly. WebMark Drakeford. A spokesman said: "It is with deep sadness that we Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. "I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling," he said. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. Downing Street has confirmed that Prime MinisterRishi Sunakhad passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. Leader of Plaid Cymru Adam Price send his condolence to Mr Drakeford, tweeting: "My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford. Mark and Clare Drakeford married in 1977. Who is Todd Piros wife Amanda Raus?,FOX news Todd Piro has been married to Amanda Raus since June 2015. She is the wife of the first Minister of Wales. We're all here for you Mark.". On June 7, 2022, the new father-of-two returned to Fox & Friends following the birth of his second daughter. Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford.On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. Read our Clare Drakeford live blog below for the latest updates Our coverage of the Manchester Airport shutdown is now closed. He revealed he was hesitant about running to be first minister when Carwyn Jones stepped down in 2018 because of the potential impact on his family. ", Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. Downing Street said the prime minister had offered his "deepest condolences" to Mr Drakeford, 68, privately. First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Mark Drakeford "love and strength" following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly. One person Tweeted: ''We are saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford and send our heartfelt condolences to her beloved husband, Mark Drakeford. Ms Jones added: "It's little understood by people outside this chamber but often what pains one of us can pain all of us. Paying tribute to Clare today, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Welsh First Minster Mark Drakeford love and strength following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly. The Prime Minister tweeted: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Former prime minister Boris Johnson called Mrs Drakeford's death "terrible news". Sending him love and strength.". "On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his Mr Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and had three children. Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know, First Minister revealed that he was living in a separate building, Wales' First Minister living in garden hut to protect shielding wife. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". Mark Drakeford Wife Dies Suddenly. The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died. We're all here for you Mark. Speaking to the ITV Wales podcast in August 2021, he said: "I've been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody. Senior politicians have gathered in Cardiff for the funeral of Clare Drakeford. WebMark Drakeford. On behalf of the whole Labour party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family, he said. Downing Street has confirmed that Prime MinisterRishi Sunakhad passed on his deepest condolences to Mr Drakeford privately. "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. The former Prime Minister,Boris Johnson, released a tribute to the Drakeford family. The Mark Drakeford interview as First Minister confirms he intends to stand down in 2024, Wales' new Senedd elects a First Minister and Presiding Officer, Mark Drakeford is the most popular UK leader, new poll shows, Mark Drakeford leaving the Kings Road polling station in Pontcanna with his wife Clare in 2022. My deepest condolences to Mark and family at this really sad time. On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. They attended the private service at Wenallt Chapel in Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, on Thursday morning, to pay respects to Mark Drakeford's wife Clare, who died suddenly last month age 71. The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. View our online Press Pack. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter', Why half of India's urban women stay at home. Mark Drakeford spoke of "difficult days" after his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus in 2020. The Prince and Princess of Wales have also paid tribute, saying "sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family". Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru, said his heart is absolutely breaking for Waless first minister. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Last year, Mr Drakeford told ITV: The day will come when the first minister will be from north Wales and that person will be needed to stay in Cardiff for lots of their working life. In February 2021, Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his vulnerable wife for most of 2020 in order to keep her safe. Clare Drakeford, who is the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. Following an anti-lockdown protest outside their house in July 2021, politicians raised concerns over the residential security of the First Minister and his wife. ", Presiding Officer Elin Jones said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakefords passing. A spokesman said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Welsh government said: "It is with deep WELSH First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife died suddenly today. The private couple were thought to be caring for Clares elderly mother, who lived with them throughout the pandemic. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, said: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected. Extending his party's sympathy, he said Mrs Drakeford was "kind and compassionate" and that she and her husband were "dedicated to each other". PRINCE William, Princess Kate and Boris Johnson have paid their respects after the tragic passing of Mark Drakeford's wife Clare. A Welsh government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the first minister. 29th Jan 2023, 12:45pm. First Minister put up in five-star hotel in Qatar during World Cup. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. Mark and Clare Drakeford had been married for 46 years. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. The wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, Clare Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has confirmed. "I hope the happy memories Mark and Clare had together are a comfort at this difficult time.". ", Ireland's foreign affairs minister and former taoiseach (prime minister), Micheal Martin, said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford.". Were all here for you Mark.". He told ITV Wales: Ive been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody.. Funeral held for first minister's wife Clare Drakeford after death at age 71. Video, 00:01:39Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Wife of Wales' FM Mark Drakeford dies suddenly. Jo Stevens, Labour MP for Cardiff Central, expressed: "So shocked and so very sad at the news of Clare Drakeford's death. Speaking on an ITV Wales podcast, the first minister said: It is a bit emotional. "On the occasions I met Clare it was obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was, and I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly. The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has today sent their condolences following the news of Clare Drakeford's passing. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time.". Business Minister Lesley Griffiths said Mr Drakeford would be grateful for MSs' condolences. The Welsh Downing Street said the prime minister had offered his "deepest condolences" to Mr Drakeford, 68, privately. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". The MP for Holborn and St Pancras wrote on Twitter: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. W & C.", The First Minister of Scotland and SNP Leader, Nicola Sturgeon, said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Labour & Co-op MP for Lewisham East, Janet Daby, has joined hundreds of others in paying tribute to Clare Drakeford today. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with Covid. "They are all in our thoughts and prayers. The pair share three children including one son, Who is Mark Drakefords wife? My heartfelt condolences go out to them.. Unlike most first ministers in the UK, Mark Drakeford and his wife did not benefit from the luxury of a stately home. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife for much of the pandemic. Clare Buckle and Drakeford has been married for 46 years. You can unsubscribe at any time. Express. "On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. '', A third wrote: ''How very sad. The couple had been married since 1977 and had three children together. The tributes in the Senedd followed an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum after Mrs Drakeford's death was announced. In 2021, the Welsh Labour leader revealed that he had been separated from his "vulnerable" wife during the pandemic. Mr Drakeford said he had been living in a separate building in the garden of his family home while Mrs Drakeford stayed inside the main home. Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford. The Welsh government announced Mrs Drakeford's death on Saturday. "My thoughts are with you and your family. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh government announced on Saturday. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The MP for Holborn and St Pancras wrote on Twitter: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. The news was confirmed by a Welsh Government spokesman on Saturday. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Wales's First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. Video, 00:01:39, Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife, Bakhmut attacks still being repelled, says Ukraine, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Canadian grandma helps police snag phone scammer, Mother who killed her five children euthanised, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Zoom boss Greg Tomb fired without cause. The pair had to live in separate homes to "keep her safe.". He said: "Im deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford. "On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends.". "This is no longer the case and whilst it is used for civic and charitable events, becoming the home for the first minister would be a far more fitting role for it. PA Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in May 2022. "I know just how close they were as a couple, and I can only imagine the sense of loss Mark and the whole family are feeling.". My deepest condolences to Mark and family at this really sad time. The wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford has died suddenly, the Welsh Government said. First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. He added: "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". Clare Drakeford died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. Flood management in Powys brought up in the Senedd after heavy rain. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. ", Loose Women star lined up to be Strictly's first contestant in wheelchair, GMB's Kate Garraway reveals crippling cost of caring for her husband Derek, Stephen Bear 'broke behind bars' as his company is shut down before he's jailed, Mum identified after dead baby is found on heathland, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Mr and Mrs Drakeford have three adult children and lived together in Pontcanna, Cardiff, for 30 years, Welsh politicians pay tribute to FM's late wife. The entire Scottish Labor family sends our love and condolences. Madonnas older brother Anthony Ciccone is no more with us as he recently passed away. Burns Night 2022: Where was Robert Burns born, why is he celebrated? 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. ", Today presenters left stunned as woman looks unrecognisable after makeover, Im an over 50s fashion fan & tried on stunning new 35 floral dress at Dunnes, Dunnes Stores fans rushing to buy pink cargo jeans - and they cost just 25, Ireland braces for freeze blast as Met Eireann pinpoint exact day SNOW to fall, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. The wife of the First Minister of Wales, Clare Drakeford, has died. Who is Mark Drakefords wife? Mr Drakeford said he had been living in a separate building in the garden of his family home while Mrs Drakeford stayed inside the main home. It is a bit emotional. A spokesperson for the Welsh government confirmed The First Minister moved out of his home into a building in his garden to keep his family safe during the Coronavirus pandemic. Clare Drakeford had been married to Mark Drakeford since 1977 and they had three children together. Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, called the news "absolutely devastating". Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. Mr Drakeford, who became first minister in 2018 and was reappointed to the post in May 2021, later described their reunion as "a bit emotional". WELSH First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife died suddenly today. Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Andrew RT Davies said it was "shattering news". First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife Clare has died suddenly. The pair had three children together. A spokesman confirmed the Paying tribute to Clare today, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. Clare had been married to the Welsh Labour Leader since 1977. Paying tribute to Clare today, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds said: "My thoughts are with the First Minister and his family at this very difficult time. Apart from her singing talent, Madonna is a talented songwriter and visual presenter. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. The 66-year-old had been married to the minister for 46 years and they had three children together. The Cave: An Adaptation of Platos Allegory in Clay; Chasing the Shadows; The Shepherd Boy and the Wolf: A Stop-motion Adaptation It establishes two lanes for goods arriving in Northern Ireland from Great Britain: The green lane these goods will remain in Northern Ireland. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.". In 2021, the BBC reported: When Carwyn Jones announced in 2018 he was stepping down, Mr Drakeford's supporters urged him to throw his hat in the ring quickly. Family and friends of the couple, as well as senior politicians, attended the private service at Wenallt Chapel in Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, on Thursday morning. Politicians and family members of the Welsh First Minister gathered for the funeral of his wife today. Waless first minister, Mark Drakeford, with his wife, Clare, pictured in May 2022. Taking to Twitter, the University wrote: ''The University community is saddened to hear of the sudden death of Mrs Clare Drakeford. Last year Mr Drakeford revealed From the offset of his senior political career, Welsh leader Mark Drakeford was frank about his wifes role in his ministerial position. Clare Drakeford has been married to Mark Drakeford as his wife for a very long time. Another former prime minister, Gordon Brown, said he was sorry to hear of Mrs Drakeford's death, adding: "She will be greatly missed. I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other, Sunak tweeted. Rest in peace #claredrakeford. "I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. For other inquiries, Contact Us. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". Ive been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody.. In the first full Senedd meeting since her death, Presiding Officer Elin Jones said the first minister and his family were "in our hearts and prayers". Clare Drakeford, wife of Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died. Clare Drakeford, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Funeral held for first minister's wife Clare Drakeford after death at age 71. Drakeford said he had been living in a separate building in the garden of his family home while his wife stayed inside the main home. CLARE DRAKEFORD, the wife of Waless First Minister Mark Drakeford died "suddenly", the Welsh Government announced yesterday. First Minister put up in five-star hotel in Qatar during World Cup. Mr Drakeford told the news outlet of the very strange feeling he had when he returned to his home, adding that he had forgotten how big it is. "I hope the happy memories Mark and Clare had together are a comfort at this difficult time.". The cause of death remain unknown after Clare Drakeford died suddenly. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family.". He "We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support.". Our deepest condolences to Mr Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales, and his family. "In this case what pains the first minister has touched many people throughout Wales.". "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time," Ms Sturgeon tweeted. "The thoughts and sympathy of all us in and across the Welsh Parliamentary Labour Party are with Mark and his family. The mum-of-three was married to the While it is known the pair share three grown-up children together, there are few details to unearth about the Welsh First Ministers partner. CLARE Drakeford, the wife of the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly, the Welsh Government has announced. Mr Drakeford has been the First Minister of Wales since 2018 - succeeding Carwyn Jones. Proud Mum, BSE Echocardiographer, @IPHPcardiff research lead, Lecturer in CV Physiology, Ape whisperer | Pikagi '', A second added: So sorry to hear the sad news of Clare Drakefords sudden passing. ", First minister says wife and mother had Covid. Drakeford, who has been the first minister of Wales since 2018, has rarely spoken about his family life but in February 2021, he revealed he had been isolating from his wife for most of 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic in order to keep her and her elderly mother safe while they were shielding. WebSee tweets of Aimee Drane PhD @aimeedrane on Twitter. Mark Drakeford and wife Clare in September last year for a memorial service in memory of the Queen. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. A FUNERAL has been held for the wife of first minister Mark Drakeford. Clare Drakeford had been married to Mark Drakeford since 1977 and they had three children together. They lived in Cardiff at the time of her death. The couple lived apart during much of the COVID pandemic, with Mr Drakeford staying in a building at the end of the couple's garden to allow him to carry on work while his wife remained at the house with his elderly mother-in-law, who was shielding. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.". Mark Drakeford and his wife Clare married in 1977 and have three children together. The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, said: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing. The mum-of-three was married to the Welsh Labour leader for a number of years and throughout his political career. "The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.". Rarely in the limelight with her famous partner, the 66-year-old led a private life. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Rest in peace #claredrakeford. This new deal has been negotiated by the Sunak government and aims to eliminate the Irish Sea border. The news was confirmed by a Welsh Government spokesman on Saturday. Davies said: My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time. One person Tweeted: ''We are saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford and send our heartfelt condolences to her beloved husband, Mark Drakeford. He told ITV Wales: Ive been married for a very long time and not to be in the house and to be at a physical distance, even though we saw each other every day and talked every day, it was a puzzling experience in that sort of way and for that to be over it is a bit emotional for everybody.. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected. Mr Drakeford worked as a probation officer and with the charity Barnardos before entering Mark Drakeford in 2022 had to separate from her to keep her safe during much of the pandemic period. "It is with deep sadness that we confirm ''They are all in my thoughts and prayers.''. During the Covid-19 pandemic, it was revealed Mr Drakeford was living in a building in his garden to keep his family safe, saying his wife and mother-in-law were "vulnerable" and in the top four vaccination priority groups. Labour leader Keir Starmer has taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Clare Drakeford. '', A second added: So sorry to hear the sad news of Clare Drakefords sudden passing. Others including the Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and the leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, tweeted their condolences. The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.. The pair had three children together. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Events to mark 300 years since birth of Richard Price, a radical who helped build the modern world Clare Drakeford, wife of Waless first minister, dies. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. The obituary of Anthony has already been released, and the family has also paid tribute to the late soul. The wife of the first minister died suddenly at the age of 71 last month. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister. "He insists he was hesitant at first. Instead, the pair led a seemingly ordinary life in their Cardiff property - though the matter has been the root of some debate. Countries and territories where English is the national language or the native language of the majority. Mark Drakeford and his wife married in 1977 and have three children. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. The pair had lived in separate homes in order to "keep her safe". Clare Drakeford, the longtime wife of Mark Drakeford, who has served as the leader of the left-wing Welsh Labour Party and the First Minister of Wales since 2018, has died suddenly. My whole bed shook: south Wales hit by 3.7 magnitude earthquake, Home village hopes greatest Welsh thinker finally receives his dues, Ynys Enlli off Welsh coast designated as a dark sky sanctuary, Gwent police drop investigation into alleged assault of boy who lost finger, Climber, 23, dies in Snowdonia fall after rock comes away in his hand, Wales pledges 50m to bring derelict empty homes back into use, Brecon Beacons board adds disabled, LGBT and minority-ethnic champions, Wales health chief urges NYE revellers to drink less to ease pressure on NHS, Welsh education minister hits out at misinformation over LGBTQ+ curriculum. Mr Drakeford said they were in the top four vaccination priority groups "due to their conditions". The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said he was incredibly sad to hear about Clare Drakefords passing. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling. "I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. Read about our approach to external linking. 2023 BBC. Mark Drakeford returns to the Senedd for the first time since the passing of his wife Clare. View our online Press Pack. Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said. WebWales' First Minister and Leader of the Welsh Labour Mark Drakeford arrives with his wife Clare, to cast their vote for the locals elections, at St Catherines Church Hall polling station, in Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images Web28 January The Welsh Government announces that Clare Drakeford, the wife of First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly. How often should you change your sheets - more than you think! ", Wales First Minister Mark Drakeford's wife, Clare, dies. ", The Prince and Princess of Wales tweeted: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family. Mark and Clare Drakeford were married in 1977 and have three children together. His wife, Clare Drakeford, 66, and her 94-year-old mother, have both shielded during the pandemic due to their health conditions. Labour leader Keir Starmer sends his condolences to Mark Drakeford for the loss of his wife. The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, also joined in, saying: "I am sure you will all join me in sending deepest condolences to @MarkDrakeford on the sudden passing of his beloved wife, Clare.