Clare Drakeford: Wife of Wales' FM Mark Drakeford dies suddenly

Clare Drakeford, wife of Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford, has died suddenly at the age of 71, the Welsh government has said.

A spokesman confirmed the news with "deep sadness".

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."

Downing Street said the prime minister had offered his "deepest condolences" to Mr Drakeford, 68, privately.

Rishi Sunak later wrote on social media: "Incredibly sad to hear about the sudden death of Clare Drakeford.

"I know how committed Mark and Clare were to each other. I can't imagine the pain Mark and his family will now be feeling."

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was "shocked and saddened" by the news.

"On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family," he said.

"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."

Mr and Mrs Drakeford married in 1977 and the family have lived in Pontcanna, Cardiff, for 30 years. The couple have three adult children.

"They are all in our thoughts and prayers," Sir Keir added.

The Prince and Princess of Wales wrote on Twitter: "Sending our thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family."

During the 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".

Mr Drakeford said they were in the top four vaccination priority groups "due to their conditions".

In October 2020 he spoke of the "difficult days" of that year when his wife and mother fell ill with coronavirus.

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.

Words of condolence have poured in from across the political spectrum.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time."

When she and Mrs Drakeford met, she said it was "obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was".

"I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. Sending him love and strength," she added.

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, called the news "absolutely devastating".

He offered his "thoughts and prayers" during "this incredibly difficult time".

Former prime minister Boris Johnson called Mrs Drakeford's death "terrible news".

"My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," he said.

Another former prime minister, Gordon Brown, said he was sorry to hear of Mrs Drakeford's death, adding: "She will be greatly missed."

Ireland's foreign affairs minister and former taoiseach (prime minister), Micheal Martin, said: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clare Drakeford."

The leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, Andrew RT Davies, said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of her death.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time," he said.

"On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind."

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said his heart was "absolutely breaking" for Mr Drakeford.

"I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling," he said.

"My thoughts are with you and your family. We're all here for you Mark."

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader, Jane Dodds, said her thoughts were with Mr Drakeford and his family at "this very difficult time". 

"On behalf of everyone in the Welsh Liberal Democrats, I extend our deepest condolences to Mark, his family and friends," Ms Dodds said.

Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O'Neill offered her condolences, saying: "My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they mourn their loss and come to terms with their grief."

The Presiding Officer of the Senedd, Ceredigion MS Elin Jones, added: "As a Senedd we are deeply saddened to learn of Clare Drakeford's passing.

"We are holding Mark and his family close to our hearts and send them our deepest condolences, love and support."