Eluned Morgan Unveils New Cabinet with Mark Drakeford as Finance Secretary Amidst Major Welsh Government Reshuffle

Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, has unveiled her cabinet, assigning Mark Drakeford the finance portfolio. Drakeford, who temporarily held the position of health secretary for the past month, transitions to this new role as a fresh health secretary is announced.

Welsh journalist @TomosGruffydd

Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 8

Following the resignation of her predecessor, Wales's First Minister Eluned Morgan has unveiled her new cabinet lineup just days later.

During the summer, Baroness Morgan established a temporary cabinet, notably reinstating former First Minister Mark Drakeford as the health secretary.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Mr. Drakeford will continue his role in the government as the Secretary of Finance and Welsh Language.

Vaughan Gething, who previously held the position of first minister, formally resigned from the post last month, having served for a period of four months.

Mr. Gething's tenure as leader concluded following the resignation of multiple ministers from his administration, who demanded his departure.

He had taken over from Mr. Drakeford as the first minister in March.

In the most recent cabinet shuffle, Jeremy Miles, a previous contender against Mr. Gething for leadership, is among the two ministers who have rejoined the government.

Further Details on Eluned Morgan

Following Eluned Morgan's appointment as the first minister, Mark Drakeford has named the new Welsh health secretary.

Eluned Morgan has been chosen as the new first minister of Wales following Vaughan Gething's departure from the role.

Eluned Morgan has been named as the inaugural female leader of Welsh Labour.

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Mr. Miles has been appointed as the new health secretary, and Julie James resumes her role as the counsel general, the highest legal position in the government, in addition to her duties as minister for delivery.

On Saturday, Mr. Gething declared his intention to completely resign from the Welsh parliament when the next elections occur in 2026.

He announced that he would not pursue a position in Baroness Morgan's administration, opting instead to offer his support from the sidelines as a backbencher.

The premier stated that her newly appointed senior group embodies the entirety of Wales and aims to provide steadiness, utilize expertise, and harness our combined abilities.

The Welsh Conservatives, the main opposition force in the Senedd, criticized the recent reshuffle, dismissing it as "still the same old Labour." They accused the party of prioritizing "pointless pet projects."

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Huw Irranca-Davies, who ran alongside Baroness Morgan in the race for Welsh Labour leadership, continues to serve as the deputy first minister and also holds the position of secretary for climate change and rural affairs.

Ken Skates retains his roles overseeing transportation and North Wales affairs, while Rebecca Evans steps into the position of economy secretary.

Lynne Neagle and Jayne Bryant continue in their roles as secretaries for education and housing, respectively, while Jane Hutt retains her position as the social justice secretary. Additionally, Hutt serves as the government’s chief whip and Trefnydd, the leader of the house.

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In the recent cabinet reshuffle, Vikki Howells is the sole newcomer, appointed as the minister for further and higher education.

Sarah Murphy and Dawn Bowden will continue in their roles as ministers for mental health and social care, respectively.

Jack Sergeant continues in his role as the minister for social partnership, now with the additional responsibilities of culture and skills.

Baroness Morgan is anticipated to participate in her inaugural session of the first minister's questions next week.

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