Former First Minister Mark Drakeford Blames UK Labour for Welsh Election Defeat
Former Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has attributed Welsh Labour's recent electoral defeat to the UK Labour government's perceived inaction on devolution, arguing that Westminster has offered "so little" to Wales since 2024.
Drakeford criticised Welsh Labour Members of Parliament, suggesting their lack of a clear devolution agenda undermined the party's "unique selling point" – advocating for greater Welsh autonomy within the United Kingdom. This, he claimed, contributed to the party's ousting from power by Plaid Cymru in the 7 May Senedd election, relegating Welsh Labour to third place with just nine Members of the Senedd (MSs).
A Welsh Labour source, however, vehemently dismissed Drakeford's assertions, labelling him the "architect-in-chief" of the defeat and demanding his "silence." The source pointed to Drakeford's government's 20mph speed limit law, extended NHS waiting lists, and decisions to expand the Senedd and alter Wales' voting system as key factors in the electoral outcome, suggesting a focus on day-to-day issues was lost.
Another UK Labour source countered Drakeford's claims, stating the government has "delivered on all of its general election manifesto commitments to strengthen the devolution settlement – and more, since 2024." They cited reforms to Wales' fiscal framework, the devolution of employment support and youth justice funding, and the restoration of Welsh government power over the local growth fund.
Despite longstanding calls from Welsh Labour for the devolution of the Crown Estate, a share of High Speed Rail 2 funding, and policing and justice powers, Westminster Labour colleagues have not aligned with these demands. A Westminster-based Welsh Labour source accused Drakeford of "student politics," dismissing the notion that seabed ownership was a decisive factor, insisting voters were simply "fed up with us."
Drakeford maintained that direct engagement with voters revealed widespread dissatisfaction. Ken Skates has assumed interim leadership of Welsh Labour, while Drakeford advocates for a leadership contest to galvanise a broader party debate.
