Jeremy Miles has backed rejoining the EU's single market (Image: GETTY)

       The frontrunner to replace Mark Drakeford has been accused of thinking he "knows better" than Welsh people after backing rejoining the EU's single market.

       Jeremy Miles, who is the favourite to take over from Mr Drakeford as Wales's first minister in March, said he would push "strongly" for that position if Sir Keir Starmer wins the next general election.

       But Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: “Miles’s comments are indicative of a man who thinks he knows better than the people of Wales.

       “The people of Wales voted to leave the EU, while Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Lib Dems did all they could to prevent the democratic will of the people being carried out.

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       “People in Wales deserve a First Minister who will represent their concerns and their values, not someone who will disregard their voices.”

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       Mr Miles, who is currently Wales's education minister, called for an "honest conservation" about the UK's departure from the EU.

       He told Byline Times: “We see it in our economy. We see it in our society. We see it through the loss of structural funds to Wales.

       "I think Welsh people’s understanding of the impact has changed.

       "People are recognising just how serious the adverse effects are to Wales and the UK, and just how weak the alternatives are which this Conservative Government are advocating.”

       Mr Miles said he supported the "closest possible relationship” with Brussels, adding that rejoining the single market “would be a positive thing for Wales and the UK.”

       Wales voted to leave the EU by 52.5 per cent in the 2016 referendum, while the UK as a whole backed Brexit by 51.9 per cent.

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       Mr Miles's comments come as Sir Keir, who campaigned for Remain and a second referendum, has insisted he will not look to rejoin the single market if he takes the keys to No 10.

       But the Tories have repeatedly warned Labour could drag Britain back into the bloc's orbit.

       Mr Miles is the latest Labour figure to demand closer ties after London Mayor Sadiq Khan spoke out earlier this month.

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