Newly appointed Welsh first minister Rhun ap Iorwerth has named his ministerial team.
Following last week's Senedd elections where Plaid Cymru emerged the biggest party, Rhun ap Iorwerth was nominated as FM. He was sworn in by the Hon Mrs Justice Mary Stacey DBE in a formal ceremony.
Ap Iorweth is the he first FM to represent a North Wales constituency, after being elected to represent Bangor Conwy Môn. Upon his election, ap Iorwerth said: "It is the greatest privilege of my life to be elected First Minister in a nation that means so much to me.
"I'm eager to repay the trust that the people in Wales have placed in us and to achieve the change that people have stated so clearly they wish to see.
"Something has stirred in the soul of Wales. A new confidence, a new hope. A new broader horizon, never to be narrowed again.
"From this historic moment onwards every person in every part of our nation can know that the government of Wales is their government.
"My promise to everyone is that I will lead without prejudice or presumption. I will never take this privilege for granted."
The first minister has now appointed his cabinet, with Sioned Williams taking the role of deputy first minister and cabinet minister for social justice and equality. Elin Jones is cabinet minister for finance; Heledd Fychan is Trefnydd, chief whip, and cabinet minister for culture and sport; and Dafydd Trystan Davies is cabinet minister for government effectiveness and the Constitution.
Mabon ap Gwynfor takes the role of cabinet minister for health and care; Adam Price cabinet minister for enterprise, connectivity and energy; Anna Brychan cabinet minister for education and he Welsh language; and Llyr Gruffydd cabinet minister for rural resilience and sustainability.
Other appointments include Siân Gwenllian as cabinet minister for local government, housing and planning; Nerys Evans as deputy minister for public and preventative health Delete Jewell as deputy minister for social care, mental health and women's health; Mark Hooper as deputy minister for transport; and Cefin Campbell as deputy minister for skills and tertiary education. Elfyn Llwyd is counsel general designate.
Ap Iorweth said: “This Cabinet will bring new energy, new ideas and a new direction to the way our nation is led.
“United and filled with talent and experience ready to serve, my government will believe in the art of the possible, working as one team every day to improve the lives of the people of Wales.
“Our principles will be our guide as we seek practical solutions to the issues faced by communities the length and breadth of our country – and we will pursue our missions with the energy and urgency they demand.
“Our pledge is simple – to repay people’s trust in us as quickly as we can, bringing the nation together. A new era of leadership starts today.”
Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams added: “I am humbled to have been appointed Deputy First Minister by the First Minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, and I take on this role with a deep sense of purpose.
“This Government for all is committed to turning promise into immediate action for the people of Wales, with a clear focus on tackling the challenges facing every community.
“I am determined to take action on our priorities from day one, particularly rolling out our childcare offer and urgently tackling child poverty so that every child has the security and opportunity they deserve.”
