Policy briefing - Wales

New First Minister gets down to business

The current Welsh First Minister, Prof Mark Drakeford, took over from Carwyn Jones in December. A few months in, we’re beginning to see his approach to government. The collaborative nature of his approach allows for a stronger range of views to be expressed around the cabinet table but his government’s view of ‘what good looks like’ is more closely aligned with Jeremy Corbyn than his predecessor. As a result, issues prioritised have tended to be more social than economic in nature. In economic policy, this has led to a greater emphasis on indigenous businesses, and firms must now demonstrate a stronger commitment to their workforce if they are to improve quality for business support. In transport policy, the government has shifted its support from large infrastructure projects to smaller ones that deliver localised benefits.

M4 relief road cancelled by First Minister

After several years, t