WIREDGOV

First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced his new Cabinet within hours of being sworn in to his new role.

Two new Ministers join the Cabinet – former Chief Whip Carl Sargeant becomes Minister for Social Justice and Local Government while former Deputy Regeneration Minister Leighton Andrews becomes Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning.  Jane Hutt moves to a new portfolio as Minister for Business and Budget.

Two new Deputy Ministers have been appointed following portfolio changes creating two new portfolios.  Lesley Griffiths becomes Deputy Minister for Skills, Innovation and Science while Huw Lewis will lead a newly created portfolio as Deputy Minister for Children.  In this role Mr Lewis will have particular responsibility for co-ordination of Government matters relating to child poverty.

Details of the new Cabinet are as follows:

Ministers

Carwyn Jones - First Minister
Ieuan Wyn Jones - Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy & Transport
Jane Hutt - Business and Budget
Edwina Hart - Health and Social Services
Jane Davidson - Environment, Sustainability and Housing
Leighton Andrews - Children, Education and Lifelong Learning
Carl Sargeant - Social Justice and Local Government
Elin Jones - Rural Affairs
Alun Ffred Jones - Heritage

Deputy Ministers

Lesley Griffiths - Skills, Innovation & Science
Jocelyn Davies - Housing and Regeneration
Gwenda Thomas - Social Services
Huw Lewis - Children

John Griffiths - Counsel General & Leader of the Legislative Programme
Janice Gregory - Chief Whip

The First Minister paid tribute to former Finance Minister Andrew Davies and former Social Justice Minister Brian Gibbons who both leave the Cabinet as part of the changed line-up.

The First Minister said:

"I am deeply grateful for the work both Andrew and Brian put in during their time as Ministers, and I know that they will continue to make a valuable contribution to the National Assembly and to Wales.”