Mark Drakeford, the former First Minister of Wales, has secured a new position as an honorary distinguished professor at Cardiff University. This appointment follows his tenure as First Minister earlier this year. Cardiff University has bestowed upon Mr. Drakeford the honorary title in acknowledgment of his substantial contribution to Welsh politics, alongside his accomplished academic career.
The role, which is non-remunerated and spans five years, recognises Mr. Drakeford’s expertise and experience in Welsh governance. Despite stepping down from his role as First Minister, Mr. Drakeford has made a swift return to frontline politics. He first served as the interim Cabinet Secretary for Health under Eluned Morgan’s administration before being appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Finance in the recent cabinet reshuffle led by the current First Minister.
The university announced that Mr. Drakeford’s original duties as an honorary professor were intended to involve lecturing on the undergraduate programme. However, due to his reappointment to the Welsh Government, he will not be conducting teaching responsibilities while in cabinet. Instead, he is expected to deliver lectures to both undergraduate and postgraduate students this academic year, sharing his insights and experiences in the policy-making process.
The Wales Governance Centre, established in 1999 following devolution, is sponsored and supported by Cardiff University’s School of Law and Politics. This centre focuses on conducting research across various domains, including law, politics, government, and the political economy of Wales within broader UK and European contexts.
Mr. Drakeford’s affiliation with Cardiff University enhances the institution’s academic environment and provides students with the unique opportunity to learn from a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience in governance. His insights and contributions are expected to enrich the academic discourse and provide valuable perspectives on contemporary political challenges facing Wales and the broader UK.
Overall, Mr. Drakeford’s new role as an honorary distinguished professor at Cardiff University highlights the symbiotic relationship between academia and real-world governance, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and enhancing the educational experience for students.