Welsh Labour leadership: ex-health ministers back Drakeford

Four former Welsh Health ministers have given their public backing to the frontrunner in the contest to succeed Carwyn Jones as Labour leader in Wales.

The former ministers have published an open letter saying that 'the future of the NHS will be best served' by having Mark Drakeford - himself a former Health minister - in charge as First Minister.

He already has the public support of 12 of his fellow AMs. The only other likely candidate with confirmed support is Health Secretary Vaughan Gething who has promised nominations of four AMs.

Eluned Morgan and Huw Irranca-Davies have said they hope to stand but they have not received any public endorsements yet.

The text of the letter from the four former health ministers - Jane Hutt, Lesley Griffiths, Brian Gibbons and Edwina Hart - is below: