Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Members will wish to know I have today made some changes to my Ministerial team to ensure the continuation of our strong and consistent focus in our response to coronavirus in Wales, as we move further into the challenging winter period.
The changes reflect the learning from the initial wave of the pandemic and will ensure we face the months ahead of us in the strongest possible position.
Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething will continue to lead the Welsh Government’s coronavirus response, showing the same strong leadership he has throughout the pandemic. To ensure he can focus on the crisis, coupled with the twin priority of NHS delivery and performance, I am appointing Eluned Morgan as Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and the Welsh Language. She will work alongside Vaughan, recognising the impact coronavirus has on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Her responsibilities will include mental health services, dementia, substance misuse, veterans’ health, patient experience and the obesity strategy.
The international relations brief, including the important Wales and Africa programme, will come into the First Minister’s portfolio of responsibilities.
All other members of the Cabinet remain unchanged, although there will be some small movements in responsibilities between Ministerial portfolios.
A detailed list of the revised Ministerial responsibilities will be published shortly and I will provide a further update to Members on publication.