Julie James has retained the housing brief within a reshaped portfolio in a Welsh Government reshuffle by new first minister Vaughan Gething.
She becomes cabinet secretary for housing, local government and planning in the new administration with her former climate change brief transferring to Huw Irranca Davies as cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs.
Other notable appointments include Jayne Bryant as minister for mental health and early years and Jeremy Miles, the unsuccessful candidate for the Welsh Labour leadership, as cabinet secretary for economy, energy and Welsh language.
One former housing minister, Rebecca Evans, is cabinet secretary for finance, constitution and cabinet office, while another, Lesley Griffiths, is cabinet secretary for culture and social justice.
Vaughan Gething said: ‘I’m incredibly proud to bring together a government drawn from all parts of Wales to serve the whole of our nation, with progressive politics at its heart. In particular, I am pleased to appoint a Minister for Mental Health and Early Years to ensure we deliver in the first 1,000 days of the life of every child.
‘This ministerial team will answer the call of the generation in waiting, to create a stronger, fairer, greener Wales. We will take action to strengthen our economy by providing opportunities for everyone and being steadfast in our commitment to a just transition to net zero. Our goal to deliver green prosperity is reflected by the creation of a new Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Welsh Language.
‘I believe in a Wales that recognises that we can celebrate our differences and take pride in all those things that draw us together and make us who we are. While there will be many challenges ahead, there are even greater opportunities. I am ambitious about the work this team will do to make Wales an even better place.’
The full Welsh Government Cabinet is as follows:
- First Minister – Vaughan Gething
- Counsel General-designate – Mick Antoniw MS
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy & Welsh Language – Jeremy Miles MS
- Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care – Eluned Morgan MS
- Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution & Cabinet Office – Rebecca Evans MS
- Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government & Planning – Julie James MS
- Cabinet Secretary for Education – Lynne Neagle MS
- Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport – Ken Skates MS
- Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change & Rural Affairs – Huw Irranca Davies MS
- Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice – Lesley Griffiths
- Chief Whip & Trefnydd – Jane Hutt MS
- Minister for Social Partnership – Hannah Blythyn MS
- Minister for Mental Health & Early Years – Jayne Bryant MS
- Minister for Social Care – Dawn Bowden MS