Carwyn Jones – First Minister
Well....duh. Though it seems as though the role of First Minister is going to be a lot more beefed up - dare I say it, presidential. Carwyn Jones will be taking a more hands on role in external affairs (dealing with Westminster and the EU) as well as energy, curiously. I'm not sure why exactly. We'll have to wait and see how that plays out.
Edwina Hart – Business, Enterprise & Technology
One of the surprises. The Welsh business community have called for a "big beast" for the economy portfolio and Edwina is one of those. Being one of the few Labour AMs that actually has private sector experience will work in her favour. Her strong association with the trade union movement, and being on the left of Welsh Labour, won't. I'm not sure whether she would consider this a demotion or not. She has a very tough task ahead of her, and needs to hit the ground running. It's unclear if she'll also have the transport portfolio, but I presume that's the case.
Lesley Griffiths – Health & Social Services
A promotion - and a big one at that - considering the importance of this particular portfolio. I honestly don't know that much about Lesley, but I was disappointed at both her, and John Griffiths' approach to science in particular. This portfolio will certainly push Lesley to the front of Welsh Labour, and I think we'll get a better idea of what she's really made of as this is one of the "poison chalice" posts. Clearly Carwyn Jones and Labour have a lot of faith in her.
Jane Hutt – Finance & Leader of the House
To say she's struggled to find a niche in cabinet in recent years is an understatement. However, I think she finally found it as Finance Minister. Steady as she goes. There will be question marks over her failure to secure a fairer funding formula in the last Assembly though.
John Griffiths – Environment & Sustainable Development
Another promotion, but he has big shoes to fill. I'm surprised that energy hasn't been included in this portfolio or rural affairs. Like his namesake Lesley, I don't know too much about John, but this post gives him the opportunity to make more of a name for himself. He's apparently well regarded in the Senedd, so this appointment/promotion isn't a total surprise.
Leighton Andrews – Education & Skills
I would've bet on him getting the Economy portfolio, but with the changes he's planned for Welsh schools, it makes sense to keep Leighton in the post to oversee them. I think he's stored a lot of problems for himself though, especially with regard higher education and tackling underperformance.
Carl Sargeant – Local Government & Communities
No rocking the boat once again, and makes sense.
Huw Lewis – Housing, Regeneration & Heritage
I don't object to Huw Lewis getting a cabinet post, but the portfolio seems a bit of a mish-mash of unrelated matters. Housing and Heritage don't really go together do they? Regeneration and social justice does seem to be a matter close to Huw's heart, so I've no doubting his commitment to that role. I just hope the regeneration direction of this government doesn't go down one of these ridiculous "community cul-de-sacs" where economic development takes a back seat to more trivial concerns. Sort of like how Communities First turned out.
However Huw Lewis in the Heritage post. Are Labour trying to bait Plaid with that one?
Gwenda Thomas – Deputy Minister for Social Services
Another steady as she goes appointment, and I don't see any problems there.
Jeff Cuthbert – Deputy Minister for Skills
I've never had Jeff Cuthbert down as minister material to be honest. However, he does have a technical background and if he can work hard on improving vocational and STEM education in Wales he'll go up in my book. I think he can be one of the surprises (in a good way). I just hope he doesn't fall into the trap of previous deputy ministers and become anonymous.
Alun Davies – Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries & European Programmes
This is certainly a step down from Elin Jones, and Labour are muting one of their most effective backbenchers. However, I'm sure Alun can - and will - do justice to the job. Does European Programmes include Objective One? If that's the case surely it makes more sense to put that with the economy portfolio.
Well....duh. Though it seems as though the role of First Minister is going to be a lot more beefed up - dare I say it, presidential. Carwyn Jones will be taking a more hands on role in external affairs (dealing with Westminster and the EU) as well as energy, curiously. I'm not sure why exactly. We'll have to wait and see how that plays out.
Edwina Hart – Business, Enterprise & Technology
One of the surprises. The Welsh business community have called for a "big beast" for the economy portfolio and Edwina is one of those. Being one of the few Labour AMs that actually has private sector experience will work in her favour. Her strong association with the trade union movement, and being on the left of Welsh Labour, won't. I'm not sure whether she would consider this a demotion or not. She has a very tough task ahead of her, and needs to hit the ground running. It's unclear if she'll also have the transport portfolio, but I presume that's the case.
Lesley Griffiths – Health & Social Services
A promotion - and a big one at that - considering the importance of this particular portfolio. I honestly don't know that much about Lesley, but I was disappointed at both her, and John Griffiths' approach to science in particular. This portfolio will certainly push Lesley to the front of Welsh Labour, and I think we'll get a better idea of what she's really made of as this is one of the "poison chalice" posts. Clearly Carwyn Jones and Labour have a lot of faith in her.
Jane Hutt – Finance & Leader of the House
To say she's struggled to find a niche in cabinet in recent years is an understatement. However, I think she finally found it as Finance Minister. Steady as she goes. There will be question marks over her failure to secure a fairer funding formula in the last Assembly though.
John Griffiths – Environment & Sustainable Development
Another promotion, but he has big shoes to fill. I'm surprised that energy hasn't been included in this portfolio or rural affairs. Like his namesake Lesley, I don't know too much about John, but this post gives him the opportunity to make more of a name for himself. He's apparently well regarded in the Senedd, so this appointment/promotion isn't a total surprise.
Leighton Andrews – Education & Skills
I would've bet on him getting the Economy portfolio, but with the changes he's planned for Welsh schools, it makes sense to keep Leighton in the post to oversee them. I think he's stored a lot of problems for himself though, especially with regard higher education and tackling underperformance.
Carl Sargeant – Local Government & Communities
No rocking the boat once again, and makes sense.
Huw Lewis – Housing, Regeneration & Heritage
I don't object to Huw Lewis getting a cabinet post, but the portfolio seems a bit of a mish-mash of unrelated matters. Housing and Heritage don't really go together do they? Regeneration and social justice does seem to be a matter close to Huw's heart, so I've no doubting his commitment to that role. I just hope the regeneration direction of this government doesn't go down one of these ridiculous "community cul-de-sacs" where economic development takes a back seat to more trivial concerns. Sort of like how Communities First turned out.
However Huw Lewis in the Heritage post. Are Labour trying to bait Plaid with that one?
Gwenda Thomas – Deputy Minister for Social Services
Another steady as she goes appointment, and I don't see any problems there.
Jeff Cuthbert – Deputy Minister for Skills
I've never had Jeff Cuthbert down as minister material to be honest. However, he does have a technical background and if he can work hard on improving vocational and STEM education in Wales he'll go up in my book. I think he can be one of the surprises (in a good way). I just hope he doesn't fall into the trap of previous deputy ministers and become anonymous.
Alun Davies – Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries & European Programmes
This is certainly a step down from Elin Jones, and Labour are muting one of their most effective backbenchers. However, I'm sure Alun can - and will - do justice to the job. Does European Programmes include Objective One? If that's the case surely it makes more sense to put that with the economy portfolio.
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