Mark Drakeford Returns as Welsh Health Secretary Amid Cabinet Reshuffle by New First Minister Eluned Morgan

Mark Drakeford has been named the new interim Welsh health secretary following Eluned Morgan's appointment as first minister. Mr. Drakeford previously served as first minister until March of this year.

Wales correspondent @TomosGruffydd

Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 2:

Mark Drakeford, previously the First Minister of Wales, has been named the new Health Secretary for Wales.

Eluned Morgan has unveiled alterations to the cabinet of the Welsh government.

Baroness Morgan was voted in as the first minister of Wales on Tuesday, following the reconvening of the Senedd from its summer recess.

She has become the inaugural woman to hold the position of first minister since the establishment of the Welsh government in 1999.

Baroness Morgan ascended to the role of first minister subsequent to Vaughan Gething's resignation, which occurred after four of his ministers departed from his administration and urged his departure.

He was confronted with tough inquiries regarding a contentious £200,000 donation and the dismissal of a cabinet member.

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Further Details on Eluned Morgan

Eluned Morgan Chosen as the New First Minister of Wales Following Vaughan Gething's Departure

Eluned Morgan is named the inaugural female leader of Welsh Labour.

Welsh Health Secretary Announces Bid to Succeed Vaughan Gething as First Minister and Leader of the Labour Party in Wales

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The recently appointed first minister formerly held the position of health secretary, starting in 2021

She becomes the third ex-health minister to assume the role of first minister, following in the footsteps of her immediate predecessors, Mr. Gething and Mark Drakeford.

Mr. Drakeford formerly served in this position from 2013 to 2016 and is set to resume his duties temporarily.

In a recent update, Baroness Morgan announced that Huw Irranca-Davies will continue overseeing rural affairs and will also take on the revived position of deputy first minister, alongside an unexpected comeback by Mr. Drakeford.

Elisabeth Jones, previously the principal legal consultant for the Senedd, has been named the interim Counsel General.

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Last month saw hospital wait times in Wales reach unprecedented levels.

In a conversation with Sky News following her confirmation as the new first minister, Baroness Morgan acknowledged that the government still has work to do in reducing waiting times in Wales.

"During the summer, I plan to engage in a listening tour to truly understand the priorities of the public," she stated.

"It would certainly be unexpected if reducing the longest waiting lists isn't among those top priorities. However, we will spare no effort in ensuring that we concentrate on this issue."

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Baroness Morgan also stated that going forward, health boards will experience a heightened level of accountability in the upcoming weeks and months.

The Welsh Conservatives, who form the main opposition in the Senedd, stated that the new administration will be evaluated based on their outcomes following "months of turmoil."

Plaid Cymru criticized the appointments, stating they represented "no change" and argued that Wales deserved more than a government characterized by "stagnation and indecision."

When the Senedd reconvenes after its September recess, the newly appointed first minister is anticipated to implement additional modifications to her cabinet.

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