ASLEF, which represents train drivers, has become the latest trade union to endorse Mark Drakeford’s candidacy for the Welsh Labour leadership.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan announced his union’s formal backing for Mr Drakeford today.

He said: “Mark shares our values, which is why we’re proud to support his campaign to be the next leader of the Labour Party in Wales.

“He’s a strong proponent of trade unions — and the trade union link with the party — and we believe he will ensure the Welsh Labour Party, and the Labour Party nationally, remains a radical, democratic, socialist party that will deliver the change that is needed for the people of Wales.”

A growing number of unions are formally endorsing Mr Drakeford, who is widely considered the candidate of the left. He already has the backing of Unite, Unison, the Communication Workers Union, the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union and the National Union of Mineworkers.

As an assembly member (AM) since 2011 and the Welsh government’s finance secretary since 2016, Mr Drakeford has been a consistent supporter of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in Welsh Labour’s leadership, which is seen as on the right of the Britain-wide party.

He has also gained a majority of endorsements from the assembly’s Labour members as well as grassroots pro-Corbyn group Momentum.

Mr Drakeford’s nearest rival, fellow AM Vaughan Gething, has the support of the GMB and failed Corbyn challenger Owen Smith.