The School of Economics, Politics and International Relations were pleased to welcome alumnus and former First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford (Latin and English, 1976) back to the University of Kent on Thursday 20 March 2025.
Mark delivered a fascinating public lecture, titled ‘The UK in the 21st Century and the Case for Social Democracy’ to current students, staff, alumni, and invited guests. In it, he discussed what politicians need to do in order to build back confidence in a world where public trust in government is under pressure.
Born and raised in West Wales, Mark became the Assembly Member for Cardiff West in 2011 and was appointed Minister for Health and Social Services two years later. In 2018 he was appointed First Minister of Wales and joined the Privy Council in 2019. Although he stood down as First Minister in 2024, he has subsequently returned to government as Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language.
Global Alumni Engagement Manager, Alex Perkins said: “Mark’s lecture was absolutely inspiring. Earlier in the day I was privileged to show him around the campus, on what was his first return to his alma mater in almost 50 years. Mark told me that he met his wife, Clare (nee Buckles), here in his 2nd year and that he had particularly fond memories of living off-campus by the sea in Tankerton.”