New Team Delivers For Wales

First Minister Carwyn Jones has today announced the members of his new Cabinet as the Welsh Government begins its ambitious programme to stand up for Wales and create a country of equality, opportunity and social justice.

The new cabinet, which has been approved by Her Majesty The Queen, will enhance the way the Welsh Government delivers public services; protects and improves the health of the people of Wales, and work tirelessly to stimulate and grow the Welsh economy.

Three new Ministers join the Cabinet – former Deputy Minister for Children, Huw Lewis, has been appointed as Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage; former Counsel General, John Griffiths, becomes the Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, while former Deputy Minister for Skills, Lesley Griffiths becomes Minister for Health and Social Services.

Three Deputy Ministers have been appointed; Gwenda Thomas has been reappointed as Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services; Jeff Cuthbert will assume responsibility for improving the skills level in Wales as Deputy Minister for Skills, and Alun Davies has been appointed as Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes.

Announcing details of his new Cabinet team, the First Minister said: "I am delighted to have appointed such a talented and able team to deliver on our commitments to the people of Wales.

"We will work tirelessly to improve the delivery of public services in Wales and create opportunities for everyone as we fight to protect Wales from the challenging financial and economic situation we are in.

"At the heart of all we do will be our determination to fight for jobs and grow the Welsh economy. Ours is an ambitious, positive vision of the nation we can become. In everything we do we will stand up for Wales and lead our country forward with ambition."

(CD/GK)