Merthyr and Rhymney AM Huw Lewis has been promoted to Education Minister from his position of Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty in the Welsh Government.
Mr Lewis replaces Leighton Andrews who resigned on Tuesday following a row over his support of a school faced with closure by the council in his Rhondda constituency.
In turn Caerphilly AM Jeff Cuthbert now becomes Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty stepping up from Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology.
The First Minister has also appointed two new Deputy Ministers to join the Welsh Government.
Ken Skates AM has been appointed Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, whilst Vaughan Gething becomes Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty.
Responsibility for the Welsh Language will in future be within the portfolio of the First Minister.
Commenting on the new appointments, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “The Government’s priorities remain totally focused on driving up educational standards and performance in our schools, improving the country’s skills base, tackling poverty and creating opportunity for our people.”
Prior to him being appointed the new Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Caerphilly AM Mr Cuthbert had praised Mr Andrews’ contribution to the Welsh Government.
He said: ““Leighton was a dedicated, hard-working Minister with an unstinting commitment to raising standards in Welsh schools, and I am very saddened by his departure from Government.
“Although Leighton has left Government I’m absolutely sure that he will continue to be an active and diligent Assembly Member. The well-being of his Rhondda constituents will remain his top priority.”