Eluned Morgan names first cabinet with new role for Mark Drakeford and Ken Skates staying on transport
First Minister Eluned Morgan has named her new Welsh Government Cabinet. Mrs Morgan officially became First Minister on August 6 but had only made tweaks to her team at the time - appointing former First Minister Mark Drakeford as health minister.
Having been appointed Welsh Labour leader without a contest, she said she wanted to use the summer break from the Senedd to learn the priorities people in Wales wanted her to follow - with a 'listening tour' around the country.
She has now named her new team. From a North Wales perspective Ken Skates has retained his role as Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales. Former culture and social justice minister Lesley Griffiths has not been returned to the cabinet.
But Alyn and Deeside MS Jack Sargeant has been made Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership. Former FM Mark Drakeford has been named Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language while Jeremy Miles MS takes on the crucial role of Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. One of his big challenges will be assisting with the turnaround of the Betsi health board, which remains in special measures.
Mrs Morgan said: "The changes I am announcing today offer stability, draw on experience, and bring our collective talents together. The new portfolios reflect modern Wales and are designed to address the key challenges that face us all.
"I have spent the summer listening to the people of Wales, and my new Cabinet appointments will now focus relentlessly on the priorities I heard from them. This is a team representing all of Wales to work on behalf of the whole nation. My team and I are dedicated to delivering positive change for the people of Wales on the issues that matter most to them."
In response Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said "Wales deserves better than this tired and divided Labour government that delivers nothing but delay and distractions".
The full Ministerial team is as follows:
Huw Irranca-Davies MS - Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Jeremy Miles MS - Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
Mark Drakeford MS - Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language
Rebecca Evans MS - Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
Jayne Bryant MS - Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government
Lynne Neagle MS - Cabinet Secretary for Education
Ken Skates MS - Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
Jane Hutt MS - Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip
Jack Sargeant MS - Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership
Vikki Howells MS - Minister for Further and Higher Education
Sarah Murphy MS - Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Dawn Bowden MS - Minister for Children and Social Care
Julie James MS - Counsel General Designate and Minister for Delivery
The Senedd returns next week. Mrs Morgan will face First Minister's Questions for the first time on Tuesday, and is also expected to make a statement to lay out her priorities.
Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS said: “After a summer of silence and empty PR exercises, the First Minister has decided – with a week to go until the Senedd returns from recess, to put her cabinet together.
“In the meantime, the legacy of successive Labour governments in Wales continues: our NHS is in a state, the economy is stagnating, and education standards are falling.
“This is the third Welsh Government cabinet this year after months of internal Labour party chaos. Wales deserves better than this tired and divided Labour government that delivers nothing but delay and distractions.
“As we look ahead to the 2026 election, Plaid Cymru offers a fresh alternative and real change. Our strong and united team will be focused on addressing the major challenges facing our communities.
“Whether it’s our children’s education, the pressure on our NHS, or the success of businesses, Plaid Cymru has an ambitious vision that can offer the change Wales urgently needs."
Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: "While there may be a new First Minister, it’s still the same old Labour. We know that this Labour Welsh Government will continue to fail in the key areas that matter to Wales while they focus time and energy on pointless pet projects.
“The Welsh Conservatives are the true alternative to Labour’s politics of distractions, and only with a Welsh Conservative Government will things finally change for the better.”