MARK DRAKEFORD REALLY LOVES WALES… AND BODYBOARDING

It’s no secret that Mark Drakeford loves Wales, but did you know that he also spends his holidays bodyboarding, off the stunning coast of west Wales?

In a new feature interview, Welsh Labour Leader and First Minister Mark Drakeford sits down with travel journalist Jack Palfrey (Lonely Planet, National Geographic, BBC Travel) to talk about good holidays in Wales, how Welsh tourism creates jobs, and even their favourite hill.

The pair discuss the beauty of the Valleys, the fresh air and bracing waves on the coast, the history of Ynys Môn and the new National Park that Welsh Labour will create in north east Wales. It’s the epitome of moving Wales forward.

For those used to seeing Mark Drakeford stood behind a podium on their TVs, it may come as a surprise to learn about his love of bodyboarding – which along with squash, are activities he enjoys to keep active.

On bodyboarding in Pembrokeshire, Mark Drakeford says:

“I’ve always enjoyed bodyboarding. My aim is to hold on and avoid getting thrown under the waves but there is something absolutely compulsive about it.

“I’m there, I’m thinking ‘last one last wave’ and then the last one always turns out to be the one you really catch and it sort of throws you to the shore. Once it does that then you’re turning around and going back to find the next one.”

Welsh Labour’s manifesto is packed full of ideas for a greener, cleaner Wales including abolishing more single use plastics, a Clean Air Act, the National Forest for Wales and our exciting plan to create the first new national park since 1957 – protecting more of Wales’ beauty for us all to enjoy.

On Welsh Labour’s plans for a new national park , Mark Drakeford says:

“I’m really pleased that in our manifesto we are committed to the first new national park in Wales since 1957. We have three fantastic National Parks and we are going to create a fourth. It’s going to be the in Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley in North East Wales.

“I must confess to you that last week, I went to a part of the Clwydian Range that I’ve never been to. It was just stunning, it was absolutely beautiful.”

There is so much to be optimistic about in Wales. Our landscape and natural beauty is world beating – and Welsh Labour will harness our environment, protecting it for the future and creating the green jobs of the future. Our proud patriotism is outward looking and we welcome, protect and respect everyone who visits, and calls Wales their home.

This wide ranging chat about at how Mark Drakeford and Welsh Labour’s ambitious vision for tourism in and around Wales, will premiere on Welsh Labour’s Facebook Page at 3pm on Thursday 16 April.