Vaughan Gething has appointed his top team of Cabinet ministers, less than 24 hours after being sworn into Wales’ highest office,
The First Minister says the “Ministerial team will answer the call of the generation in waiting, to create a stronger, fairer, greener Wales.”
Jeremy Miles, who Gething defeated in the leadership race, has taken over Gething’s former role as Economy Minister and will also oversee the Welsh language brief.
Eluned Morgan is staying on as Health Minister - seen as the most difficult job of all, as Wales grapples with the largest waiting times since records began.
Vaughan Gething confirms Cabinet team on first day as leader
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Lynne Neagle has bagged a promotion as the new Education Minister. Neagle faces a fresh challenge as Education Minister following an IFS study released today detailing how Pupils in Wales perform only as well as disadvantaged children in England.
Lesley Griffiths, who previously had the rural affairs brief and faced backlash from farmers across Wales over proposed subsidy plans, has been moved to Culture and Social Justice Secretary.
Huw Irranca-Davies joins the front benches as Climate Change and Rural Affairs secretary, while Ken Skates makes a return to the top team as the secretary for north Wales and transport.
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New First Minister of Wales Vaughan Gething signs his affirmation, watched by Justice Martin Griffiths, presiding judge of Wales, at the Senedd in Cardiff.
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Gething says his cabinet will strengthen the Welsh economy “by providing opportunities for everyone and being steadfast in our commitment to a just transition to net zero. Our goal to deliver green prosperity is reflected by the creation of a new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language.”
The Welsh Conservatives say this is a cabinet that will deliver “more of the same”.
“We had hoped that Vaughan would use the chance of a clean slate to scrap Labour’s vanity projects and focus on fixing our broken public services, but it’s clear that he has no intention of doing that.
“While Labour would rather continue to spend precious time, energy and resources putting more politicians in Cardiff Bay, the Welsh Conservatives will focus on the people’s priorities.”