Mark Drakeford AM, First Minister
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
It is my enormous privilege as First Minister to name my first Cabinet and other Ministerial appointments.
My aim was to develop a Government team with strong gender balance and the range of experience, talent and passion needed to drive charge to improve quality of life in Wales.
Brexit is our greatest challenge. In the extraordinary and regrettable circumstances created by the UK Government, it is vital that we prepare for all outcomes. I have retained Ministers in posts where their experience of Brexit preparation is key, while creating a new post to reflect the priority I attach to international relationships and trade.
Vaughan Gething remains as Minister for Health and Social Services and will be supported by a new Deputy Minister - Julie Morgan.
Eluned Morgan will lead a new portfolio as Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language. She will be responsible for International Trade promotion, Wales in Europe and maximising the potential of our overseas offices. Dafydd Elis Thomas will continue in his current role as Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism.
Ken Skates retains his portfolio as Minister for Economy and Transport and will have Lee Waters as Deputy to help deliver a challenging set of responsibilities.
I have asked Julie James to lead on the important areas of Housing and Local Government with Hannah Blythyn supporting her as Deputy Minister.
Rebecca Evans will be the new Minister for Finance and will also take on the Government Business responsibilities formerly held by the Leader of the House with the title of Trefnydd.
Kirsty Williams continues as Minister for Education and we have drawn up a new progressive agreement underpinning her participation in my Cabinet.
Lesley Griffiths will remain in charge of the Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs brief as Minister.
I have also appointed Jane Hutt as Deputy Minister working directly to me on a range of responsibilities including Equalities, Justice and the Voluntary Sector
Finally, I have asked Jeremy Miles to stay on as Counsel General designate until he can be nominated by the Assembly for appointment by the Queen. I have also asked him to lead the Government’s work on Brexit.
The full list is as follows:
- Vaughan Gething: Minister for Health and Social Services - Y Gweinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol
- Julie Morgan: Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services - Y Dirprwy Weinidog Iechyd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol
- Eluned Morgan: Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language - Gweinidog y Gymraeg a Chysylltiadau Rhyngwladol
- Dafydd Elis-Thomas: Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism - Y Dirprwy Weinidog Diwylliant, Chwaraeon a Thwristiaeth
- Ken Skates: Minister for Economy and Transport - Gweinidog yr Economi a Thrafnidiaeth
- Lee Waters: Deputy Minister for Economy and Transport - Dirprwy Weinidog yr Economi a Thrafnidiaeth
- Julie James: Minister for Housing and Local Government - Y Gweinidog Tai a Llywodraeth Leol
- Hannah Blythyn: Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government - Y Dirprwy Weinidog Tai a Llywodraeth Leol
- Rebecca Evans: Minister for Finance and Trefnydd - Y Gweinidog Cyllid a’r Trefnydd
- Kirsty Williams: Minister for Education - Y Gweinidog Addysg
- Lesley Griffiths: Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs - Gweinidog yr Amgylchedd, Ynni a Materion Gwledig
- Jeremy Miles: Counsel General Designate and Brexit Minister - Y Darpar Gwnsler Cyffredinol a’r Gweinidog Brexit
- Jane Hutt: Deputy Minister and Chief Whip - Y Dirprwy Weinidog a’r Prif Chwip