First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced a new cabinet in an unexpected reshuffle.
The former chair of the health committee, Professor Mark Drakeford, has been appointed Health Minister while former Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has been appointed Minister for Local Government, with responsibility for Government Business.
The First Minister has also created a new refocused communities and tackling poverty portfolio under Huw Lewis. Former Local Government Minister Carl Sargeant becomes Minister for Housing and Regeneration; former Deputy Minister for Agriculture Alun Davies has been appointed Minister for Natural Resources and Food, while Former Environment Minister John Griffiths becomes Minister for Culture and Sport.
Announcing his new cabinet team on Thursday, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Jobs and growing the Welsh economy remain our number one priority, but we will also work tirelessly to improve the delivery of our public services.
“My commitment to do everything we can to stand up for the people of Wales, particularly in these challenging times, remains firm. That is why I have created a new portfolio dedicated to improving the lives of the poorest in our country, building strong communities and creating opportunities for all.
“I am delighted to have such a strong and committed team who share my vision of a strong and vibrant Wales, where everyone has the opportunity for fulfil their potential.”
Welsh Government Cabinet
Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM
First Minister of Wales
Edwina Hart AM OStJ MBE
Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
Prof Mark Drakeford AM
Minister for Health
Huw Lewis AM
Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty
Lesley Griffiths AM
Minister for Local Government (& Government Business)
Jane Hutt AM
Minister for Finance
John Griffiths AM
Minister for Culture and Sport
Leighton Andrews AM
Minister for Education
Carl Sargeant AM
Minister for Housing and Regeneration
Alun Davies AM
Minister for Natural Resources and Food
Deputy Ministers
Gwenda Thomas AM
Deputy Minister for Social Services
Jeff Cuthbert AM
Deputy Minister for Skills & Technology