Mark Drakeford: podcast appearances and interviews

Mark Drakeford, born on 19 September 1954 in Carmarthen, Wales, is a politician who served as First Minister of Wales and Leader of Welsh Labour from 2018 to 2024. He has also held the positions of Cabinet Secretary for Finance during two separate terms, from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2024 to 2026. Additionally, he served as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care from 2013 to 2016, with an interim role in 2024. Drakeford was a Member of the Senedd for Cardiff West from 2011 until his resignation in 2026. His academic background includes studies in Latin at the University of Kent and the University of Exeter, followed by a career in academia as a lecturer and later as a professor of Social Policy and Applied Social Sciences at Cardiff University. He was appointed to the Welsh Government as Minister for Health and Social Services in 2013 and later became Cabinet Secretary for Finance. Drakeford led the Welsh Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was instrumental in the 2021 Senedd election, securing a working majority for Welsh Labour. In March 2024, he resigned as Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister and was succeeded by Vaughan Gething. He returned to government in August 2024 as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care under First Minister Eluned Morgan.