This week, Mark Drakeford introduced his resignation as Wales’ first minister after 5 years as chief. Back in 2018, Drakeford constructed his management bid on a platform of “Twenty first-century socialism”. As the manifesto reveals, the mantra was rooted within the concepts of “the unconventional custom of Welsh socialism”, which might drive the creation of “a extra equal, truthful and simply society”.
While it’s troublesome to evaluate his legacy so quickly, it’s value reflecting on whether or not these preliminary goals have been achieved. And what does Drakeford’s departure imply for the way forward for Wales and the Labour occasion?
Arguably, the COVID-19 pandemic was the defining characteristic of Mark Drakeford’s tenure. During this era, Drakeford raised the profile of devolution in Wales to the remainder of the UK. His measured and cautious method to the pandemic was standard and a stark distinction to that of Boris Johnson.
This recognition was strengthened when Drakeford led Welsh Labour to a decisive victory within the 2021 Senedd election. It additional prolonged the occasion’s greater than 100 years of electoral dominance in Wales.
In June this yr, Drakeford emphasised Senedd reform as certainly one of his priorities, together with rising the variety of Senedd members. That is doubtlessly a tough promote to the general public, however Drakeford noticed it as a “as soon as in a era” alternative.
While the Welsh pandemic response seemed to be standard, Drakeford’s authorities is definitely not resistant to criticism. Serious questions grasp over the implications of sure Welsh authorities COVID measures. To compound this, the rejection of a Wales-specific COVID inquiry has led to accusations that Drakeford is shying away from scrutiny.
More not too long ago, the Welsh authorities has confronted important backlash over its coverage to drop the residential pace restrict to 20mph, which seems to have led to concern even inside Labour ranks.
When it involves reaching Twenty first-century socialism, 5 years on and in practically all measures – well being, poverty, training – Wales is struggling. The Welsh authorities’s ambitions have been hamstrung by a scarcity of funding, the confines of Wales’ devolved powers and the intense circumstances of a world pandemic. And whereas these constraints can’t be ignored, the rhetoric of Twenty first-century socialism will not be being met in actuality.
Wales and Westminster
Drakeford’s legacy results in questions regarding the future relationship between Welsh and UK Labour. Central to Drakeford’s rhetoric throughout his tenure was to place Welsh Labour because the defender of Welsh pursuits in opposition to a dangerous Conservative authorities.
With the potential of Labour governments in each Cardiff and London, this line of argument could quickly come below strain. Starmer has been clear that the financial system is solely not ready for public spending to be considerably elevated.
The Welsh and UK events are additionally at odds in terms of the way forward for the union and the UK structure.
If a Starmer authorities takes a unique view on the structure, or if the spending faucets usually are not turned on sufficiently, would the brand new Welsh Labour chief search to construct a better relationship with Starmer? Or, if competing agendas emerge, will the “clear pink water” between Welsh and UK Labour change into choppier? Any new Welsh Labour chief might want to cope with these potential points.
The phrase “clear pink water” is a legacy of Drakeford’s that stretches again to earlier than he turned first minister. As particular advisor to former first minister Rhodri Morgan in 2002, Drakeford coined it to mark the Welsh method to coverage making as distinct to new Labour, primarily based on traditional Labour ideas and rooted in nationally bounded politics.
The saying has virtually change into a cliché by now, but when Labour wins the following common election, Drakeford’s successor might want to take inspiration from its goal of emphasising the distinctive wants of Wales.
Drakeford made individuals throughout the UK take discover of Wales and devolution throughout the pandemic. Whichever phrase is deployed subsequent – Twenty first-century socialism, clear pink water, the Welsh method – the following Welsh Labour chief might want to battle Wales’ nook inside their very own occasion.
The way forward for Twenty first-century socialism
Drakeford pressured all through his time as first minister that Twenty first-century socialism might solely be achieved by means of sensible motion. His methodical and calm method to governance has gained him supporters each inside and past the Labour occasion.
However, whether or not because of the nature of devolution, the shortage of funding, the influence of the pandemic or the restrictions of Welsh Labour’s programme for presidency, the Twenty first-century socialism Drakeford promised has not materialised.
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It is unlikely that the following chief will articulate their imaginative and prescient in the identical method as Drakeford, who tried to root himself inside Welsh Labour traditions. But if they’re severe about pursuing progressive insurance policies, they are going to should be daring in tackling the challenges plaguing Wales immediately.
They will should be progressive of their method to public coverage and the financial system, and forthright in demanding ample funding from the UK authorities, irrespective of which occasion is in energy at Westminster.
Nye Davies doesn’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or organisation that might profit from this text, and has disclosed no related affiliations past their educational appointment.