In Britain it is rare for politicians to be able to decide how their career ends. But that’s not the case in Wales. Welsh Labour leaders enjoy such a tight grip over events that they can pick the exact moment they leave the damp stage at Cardiff Bay, even after a remarkably long time in power. Rhodri Morgan served as First Minister for close to ten years; Carwyn Jones was in the job for nine. Neither experienced serious challenges to their leadership.
In the absence of parliamentary drama, electoral upsets and competent opposition, this slumberous pattern will continue. After four years, Mark Drakeford has indicated it will soon be time for him to go.
As so often with the First Minister there has been little theatre when it comes to his departure. Unlike his predecessor Jones, who dramatically (and unexpectedly) announced his resignation at a party conference in 2018, Drakeford has been consistent about not wanting to be leader forever.
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