Former first minister Mark Drakeford has landed a role at Cardiff University

The former Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford has accepted a new honorary role at Cardiff University as a professor at the Wales Governance Centre.

Mr Drakeford, who stepped down as First Minister earlier last March, was awarded the title of honorary distinguished professor in recognition of his contributions to Welsh politics, building on his prior distinguished academic career.

The honorary role comes as Mr Drakeford returns to a prominent political role. First Minister Eluned Morgan appointed him interim Cabinet Secretary for Health and last month, in the latest cabinet reshuffle, he was reassigned to serve as Cabinet Secretary for Finance.

Mr Drakeford’s honorary position at Cardiff University is a five-year, unpaid role. Initial plans had included lecturing for undergraduate programs, but his ministerial duties would prevent him from taking on teaching responsibilities.

Speaking with Wales Online, a spokesperson for Cardiff University said: “It was originally envisaged that it [the role] would include some lecturing on our undergraduate programme(s), however, since being reappointed to the Welsh Government, he will no longer be undertaking teaching duties whilst he remains in cabinet.

“However, it is envisaged that he will deliver some talks to our students (both undergraduates and postgraduates) this academic year where he will share some of his unique experiences of the policy making process.”

Cardiff University’s Wales Governance Centre was founded alongside Welsh devolution in 1999 and conducts research on governance in Wales within the broader UK and European contexts.

The Centre is supported by the university’s School of Law and Politics and is committed to deepening the understanding of Wales’ political landscape as seen with Mr Drakeford’s recent appointment.

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