Welsh Labour should not “rest back on the oars” of being in Government, Mark Drakeford has warned his successor.
The outgoing First Minister stated the most important problem for the occasion was to not be complacent after 25 years in energy, and stated whoever takes over the management have to be “bold” of their concepts. Speaking to the Institute for Government think-tank in Westminster, he admitted his best remorse was not being “bold enough” throughout his 5 years in publish.
He stated: “If I had any advice for my successor, which I try not to really, then it’s to be bold. The biggest challenge for Welsh Labour, when you have been in power as we have been for 25 years, is renewal and a determination not to just to rest back on the oars or being in Government. Because you could do – you’re familiar with government, you’ve been there a while – if you’re not careful.
“I feel the problem for Labour is all the time to be on the lookout for these radical adjustments which are needed. And I used to be as soon as requested what did I remorse? Maybe I generally assume what I’ve regretted is that we weren’t daring sufficient whenever you had the prospect to be so.”
Mr Drakeford confirmed last month that he would stand down as Welsh Labour leader in March when a successor has been appointed. Economy Minister Vaughan Gething and Education Minister Jeremy Mile are locked in a race to replace him.
Mr Drakeford’s popularity with the Welsh public hit an 18-month low shortly before he announced his decision to quit, as more than half of respondents (56%) said he was doing a bad job of being First Minister. The poll by ITV Wales/YouGov BarnCymru found just 31% of voters thought he was doing well. However he did better than Rishi Sunak as 69% of voters said the PM was doing a bad job.
The data shows the slump in Mr Drakeford’s approval ratings, which rocketed during the Covid pandemic. In September 2022, 54% thought he was doing a good job leading the Welsh Government.
The winner of the Welsh Labour leadership race will be declared on March 16.