LibDem joins Labour-dominated Welsh Cabinet

20 May 16

Labour’s Carwyn Jones has been re-elected as first minister of Wales and appointed his Cabinet, which includes a Liberal Democrat member.

He promised an “open, inclusive, and transparent administration” that would work with others when it was in the national interest to do so.

His remarks reflect a fractious few days in which his appointment was blocked by Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood, backed by a coalition of the Conservatives and Ukip.

Wood eventually backed down, although warned Labour that they should not expect an easy ride.

Jones announced some big changes to his team. Former health minister Mark Drakeford takes on the finance brief, the job formerly held by the long-serving Jane Hutt. Drakeford will also take on responsibility for local government.

Hutt remains in the Cabinet as leader of the house and chief whip.

Ken Skates takes on the economy and infrastructure brief, Vaughan Gething gets responsibility for health, wellbeing and sport and Rebecca Evans will oversee social services and public health.

Kirsty Williams, the Welsh Assembly’s sole LibDem member, who backed Labour in the standoff with Plaid, joins Jones’ cabinet as education minister.

She said: “Government in Wales has entered a new era. Where there is common ground, we must have the confidence and ambition to work together for the good of its people.”

According to a ‘Progressive Agreement’ signed by Labour and the LibDems, the parties will work together to deliver the LibDem pledges of smaller infant class sizes, more nurses and an extra 20,000 affordable homes.

Despite Williams’ support, with Labour holding only 29 of the Assembly’s 60 seats, Jones can only run a minority administration.

 


 

The full Welsh Cabinet is as follows:

Ken Skates
Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure

Vaughan Gething
Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport

Mark Drakeford
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government

Kirsty Williams
Cabinet Secretary for Education

Lesley Griffiths
Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs

Carl Sargeant
Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children

Jane Hutt
Leader of the House and Chief Whip

Julie James
Minister for Skills and Science

Alun Davies
Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language

Rebecca Evans
Minister for Social Services and Public Health

  • Vivienne Russell
    Vivienne Russell is managing editor of Public Finance magazine and publicfinance.co.uk

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