Wales’s first minister Eluned Morgan announces cabinet as Mark Drakeford gets new role | UK News


Wales’s First Minister Eluned Morgan has announced her new cabinet days after her predecessor announced he would quit the Senedd.

Baroness Morgan had appointed an interim cabinet during the summer, including a surprise return for former first minister Mark Drakeford as health secretary.

On Wednesday, Mr Drakeford was confirmed to be staying on in government as finance and Welsh language secretary.

Her immediate predecessor as first minister, Vaughan Gething, officially stepped down last month after four months in the role.

Mr Gething’s time in office ended after several ministers quit his government, calling for him to go.

He had only succeeded Mr Drakeford as first minister in March.

Two of those ministers have returned to government as part of the latest reshuffle, including Mr Gething’s former leadership rival Jeremy Miles.

Mr Miles becomes health secretary, while Julie James returns as counsel general – the government’s top legal job – and minister for delivery.

Eluned Morgan during a session in which she was confirmed as Wales's new first minister. Pic: Comisiwn y Senedd / Senedd Commission
Image:
Eluned Morgan confirmed as Wales’s new first minister in August. Pic: Comisiwn y Senedd / Senedd Commission

Mr Gething announced on Saturday that he would quit the Welsh parliament entirely at the next election in 2026.

In a statement, he said he would not seek a role in Baroness Morgan’s government and would instead show his support from the backbenches.

The first minister said her new top team represented “all of Wales” and would “offer stability, draw on experience, and bring our collective talents together”.

The Welsh Conservatives, the largest opposition group in the Senedd, said it was “still the same old Labour” after the reshuffle and claimed the party would focus on “pointless pet projects”.

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

Huw Irranca-Davies, who stood on a joint ticket with Baroness Morgan in the Welsh Labour leadership contest, remains deputy first minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs.

Ken Skates keeps the transport and North Wales briefs, while Rebecca Evans becomes economy secretary.

Lynne Neagle and Jayne Bryant stay on as education and housing secretaries, while Jane Hutt remains social justice secretary, as well as the government’s chief whip and Trefnydd (leader of the house).

Read more from Sky News:
New Queen Elizabeth II statue divides opinion
Where did Trump’s pet-eating claims come from?

The only new face to join the government as part of the reshuffle is Vikki Howells, who becomes minister for further and higher education.

Sarah Murphy and Dawn Bowden stay on as ministers for mental health and social care, respectively.

Jack Sergeant remains minister for social partnership, but with culture and skills added to his brief.

Baroness Morgan is expected to face her first session of first minister’s questions next week.



View Original Source Here

You May Also Like

Investigation launched into appointment process of BBC chairman after Boris Johnson loan claim

An investigation will be launched into the appointment of the BBC chairman…

‘We cannot carry on with business as usual’: Oliver Dowden quits as Tory chair after by-election mauling

Conservative Party chairman Oliver Dowden has resigned after the party slumped to…

Russia says it will retaliate if sanctions imposed by UK over Ukraine crisis

Russia will retaliate if new sanctions are imposed by Britain, according to…

No prospect of amber travel watchlist being introduced this week

There is no prospect of an amber watchlist being introduced at the…