Nicola Sturgeon said she is sending Welsh First Minster Mark Drakeford “love and strength” following the news that his wife, Clare, has died suddenly.
“My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time,” Ms Sturgeon tweeted.
“On the occasions I met Clare it was obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was, and I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling.
“Sending him love and strength.”
The Welsh Government announvced the death of Mrs Drakeford this afternoon, with a spokesman saying: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford, wife of the First Minister.
“The thoughts of everyone in the Welsh Government are with the family at this time and we ask that their privacy is respected.”
Mr Drakeford has been First Minister of Wales since 2018.
My thoughts are with Mark and his family at this terribly sad time. On the occasions I met Clare it was obvious how strong the bond between her and Mark was, and I can only imagine the depth of grief he is feeling. Sending him love and strength. https://t.co/sWdXsTsJBu
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 28, 2023
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price tweeted: “My heart is absolutely breaking for @PrifWeinidog after hearing of the sudden passing of his wife, Clare Drakeford.
"I know how close you were and there are no words to describe the pain you must be feeling. My thoughts are with you and your family. We’re all here for you Mark.”
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Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Mark Drakeford and his family at this exceptionally difficult time.
“On the occasions I met Clare, she was always a lovely lady and was very warm and kind. I’m shocked and deeply saddened to hear of her passing.”
Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford
Downing Street said that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had passed on his deepest condolences to the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford privately.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sent his condolences, following the death of Clare Drakeford.
“I’m deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Clare Drakeford,” he said in a statement.
“On behalf of the whole Labour Party, I send our deepest condolences to Mark and all the family. 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.
“They are all in our thoughts and prayers.”
READ MORE: Mark Drakeford to stand down as Welsh First Minister
Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies sent his thoughts and prayers to Mark Drakeford and his family.
“Absolutely devastating news to learn of Clare Drakeford’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mark Drakeford and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” he tweeted.
Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill sent her condolences to Mark Drakeford and his family.
“My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as they mourn their loss and come to terms with their grief,” she tweeted.
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