Update: David Jones named as new Welsh Secretary in Cabinet reshuffle
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan has said she will be replaced in the post in the UK Government’s Cabinet reshuffle.
The Chesham and Amersham MP revealed the move on the official @welsh_secretary Twitter account.
@sayeedawarsi signing off@welsh_secretary too but I agree great privilege to serve in cabinet but can serve party from back benches too 🙂— Cheryl Gillan (@Welsh_Secretary) September 4, 2012
The Buckinghamshire MP had been Welsh secretary since 2010 and had come under criticism for not being Welsh.
Owen Smith, Labour’s shadow Welsh Secretary, told BBC Wales that Mrs Gillan had “worked hard for Wales” and “leaves with her head held high to work on the backbenches”.
Maria Miller, Minister for Disabled People, was brought up in Bridgend and has been named as a potential successor. But Mr Smith added: “It demonstrates a lack of thought and a lack of care and respect for Wales if we end up with an English MP representing Wales around the cabinet table.
“Even if they have been schooled in Wales – like Maria Miller – they can’t have the same degree of understanding and same degree of insight as an MP that represents a Welsh constituency.”
Other contenders for the role include Wales Office minister David Jones and assistant government whip Stephen Crabb.
Best political news to come out of Westminster for two years that we in Wales are to see the back of this woman.
What now should concern us who will replace her?.