Wales' new First Minister Vaughan Gething announces his cabinet
Wales' new First Minister has named the team that will make up his new cabinet.
Vaughan Gething was appointed as the new First Minister on Wednesday, 20 March after winning the Labour leadership at the weekend.
In a video posted on social media before the announcement on Thursday, he said he wanted his government to "look ahead with hope ambition and unity".
Jeremy Miles, who fought Mr Gething for the top job has taken up the role of Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language in his former rival's cabinet.
The former Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, does not feature in the new First Minister's cabinet. Earlier this year he announced he would step back at the next cabinet reshuffle.
Meanwhile, Eluned Morgan remains as Minister for Health and Social Care, despite telling ITV Wales in 2023 she would "not necessarily" want to remain in her post after a new First Minister is appointed.
Also among those in his top team are Rebecca Evans as Secretary for Finance, Constitution and Cabinet Office and Julie James as Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning.
Here's the full breakdown of the Full Cabinet and Ministers list:
Cabinet secretaries
Mick Antoniw MS: Counsel General-designate
Jeremy Miles MS: Cabinet secretary for economy, energy & Welsh language
Eluned Morgan MS: Cabinet secretary for health and social care
Rebecca Evans MS: Cabinet secretary for finance, constitution and cabinet office
Julie James MS: Cabinet secretary for housing, local government and planning
Lynne Neagle MS: Cabinet secretary for education
Ken Skates MS: Cabinet secretary for north Wales and transport
Huw Irranca Davies MS: Cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs
Lesley Griffiths: Cabinet secretary for culture and social justice
Jane Hutt MS: Chief Whip and Trefnydd
Ministerial roles
Hannah Blythyn MS: Minister for social partnership
Jayne Bryant MS: Minister for mental health and early years
Dawn Bowden MS: Minister for social care
Speaking on the steps of the Welsh Government offices in Cathays Park, Mr Gething said he was "incredibly proud to bring together a government drawn from all parts of Wales to serve the whole of our nation, with progressive politics at its heart."
He added that he was, in particular, I am pleased to appoint a minister for mental health and early years "to ensure we deliver in the first 1,000 days of the life of every child."
"This ministerial team will answer the call of the generation in waiting, to create a stronger, fairer, greener Wales," he continued.
"We will take action to strengthen our 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.
"I believe in a Wales that recognises that we can celebrate our differences and take pride in all those things that draw us together and make us who we are. While there will be many challenges ahead, there are even greater opportunities. I am ambitious about the work this team will do to make Wales an even better place."
Responding to the new Welsh Government cabinet, Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said: "I wish every Minister and Deputy well as they take office and set about addressing significant challenges across all portfolios.
"A new government must quickly satisfy the people of Wales of its competence and credibility and demonstrate the required conviction to turn the tide on Labour’s record in Wales.
"The scourge of child poverty, growing waiting lists, falling educational standards and a faltering economy demand fresh thinking and fast action.
"Today must also be a turning point in the government’s approach to scrutiny. Ministers who are willing to open themselves up to critical challenge and the ideas of others will ensure better government for the people of Wales."
Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “This is a continuity cabinet that will simply deliver more of the same in Wales.
“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.”
Analysis from ITV Wales' Political Editor, Adrian Masters:
Every one of Vaughan Gething’s appointments today sends a message.
Perhaps the loudest of all those messages is the appointment of Ken Skates as Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport.
Note the order: North Wales first.
During his time out of government, Mr Skates has been a vocal champion of the North, as you’d expect from an MS representing the area.
But he’s also been a vocally critical friend sometimes of his colleagues in the Welsh Government.
He’s called for devolution of power from Cardiff to the north and has spoken out about transport policy. His appointment suggests that Mr Gething intends to do something about those concerns.
Then too there are big roles not just for his rival, Jeremy Miles, but also for his supporters. Julie James and Lesley Griffiths could well have become his fiercest critics.
Instead they are at the heart of his government, a clear sign that the new First Minister is serious about trying to heal divisions.
Add into that some continuity in the shape of Eluned Morgan, Hannah Blythyn, Dawn Bowden and Jane Hutt along with a wise owl with Westminster experience in Huw Irranca Davies and you could have the beginnings of a time in government that might just represent change in enough ways, continuity in others and a way of dealing with those who are still withholding judgement.
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