Stephen Kinnock has been named the new Secretary of State for Wales after Prime Minister Andy Burnham unveiled his first Cabinet reshuffle, replacing Jo Stevens following two years in the post.

The appointment comes as the new Prime Minister continues to shape his government after entering Downing Street, with the Wales Office among a number of departments seeing changes at ministerial level.

Mr Kinnock, the Labour MP for Aberafan Maesteg, takes over responsibility for representing Welsh interests at the Cabinet table and overseeing the UK Government’s relationship with the Welsh Government.

The 55-year-old has served in Parliament since 2015 and has held a number of ministerial positions. Before joining the Cabinet, he served as a minister in both the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care, where he was involved in immigration, public health and NHS-related policy.

He is also well known as the son of former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, one of Wales’ most prominent political figures, and former European Commissioner Glenys Kinnock.

Mr Kinnock replaces Jo Stevens, who has served as Secretary of State for Wales since 2024. During her tenure she worked on issues including economic investment, the transition to green energy, rail infrastructure and cooperation between the UK and Welsh Governments.

The change follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first Cabinet reshuffle since taking office, with several senior ministerial appointments announced as he begins setting out the priorities of his new administration.

As Secretary of State for Wales, Mr Kinnock will be expected to play a key role in discussions over economic growth, energy, transport, the future of the steel industry, and constitutional matters affecting Wales. He is also likely to be heavily involved in negotiations between Westminster and Cardiff Bay as the Burnham Government develops its agenda.

His appointment will be closely watched across Wales, including in Pembrokeshire, where businesses, local authorities and public services will be looking for signs of how the new Government intends to deliver on its promises for investment, infrastructure and economic development.

Further announcements on the new Government’s programme are expected in the coming days.

Detectives say it was “pure good fortune” the victim did not suffer even more serious injuries during the classroom attack

POLICE have praised the bravery of a teacher who was attacked with a knife at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, saying the emotional impact of the incident “cannot be underestimated”.

A 16-year-old boy was convicted at Swansea Crown Court of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding following the attack on Thursday, February 5.

The jury cleared him of attempted murder. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a knife.

The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, was 15 when the incident took place.

At approximately 3.20pm, he approached the teacher and asked for assistance with schoolwork before following her into a classroom.

He then attacked her while armed with a knife.

The teacher managed to disarm the pupil despite sustaining injuries which required hospital treatment. She later recovered from her physical injuries.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers and other emergency services swiftly attended the school, where pupils and staff were safeguarded and a lockdown was put in place.

The teenager was traced and arrested shortly afterwards. He was charged on February 7 and remanded in custody ahead of his trial.

Following the verdicts, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Sarah Totterdale commended the victim for attending court and giving evidence about the attack.

She said: “Firstly, I would like to commend the bravery shown by the victim in this case.

“What happened to her on February 5 must have been a truly terrifying ordeal, so to have to attend court and relive that experience has taken exceptional courage.

“It is thanks to pure good fortune that she did not sustain even worse injuries, but the emotional impact cannot be underestimated.

“We would like to thank her for her assistance throughout this investigation.”

DI Totterdale said the incident had also deeply affected pupils, teachers and the wider Milford Haven community.

She added: “This incident understandably had a profound impact on other students and teachers at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, as well as the wider community.

“Fortunately, we were able to promptly attend the school, ensure the safeguarding of pupils and teachers, and apprehend the offender.”

She also thanked the emergency services, school staff, parents, pupils, Pembrokeshire County Council and members of the community for their support and patience during the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

DI Totterdale said: “I hope that, with the trial now concluded, the victim in this case can begin to obtain some closure from this incident, and that Milford Haven Comprehensive School can continue passionately teaching, learning and thriving together in a safe environment.”

The teenager will return to Swansea Crown Court to be sentenced on Thursday, September 3.

Ford Pawb offers affordable, nutritious meals alongside friendship and community spirit

A NEW community dining initiative has enjoyed a successful opening night, welcoming a packed gathering to Fishguard Town Hall for an evening of affordable food and friendly conversation.

Ford Pawb, also known as Everyone’s Table, has been launched by the Fishguard Bay Sustainable Food Initiative CIC and will serve a low-cost, nutritious meal open to everyone on Monday evenings.

The first event attracted residents of all ages, with tables filling as people gathered to eat, catch up with friends and meet others from the community.

Guests were served vegetable lasagne with potatoes and salad, followed by a fresh garden berry crumble and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks. Much of the food was locally sourced, with diners praising both the generous portions and the quality of the meal.

Flowers decorated the tables, adding to the welcoming atmosphere, while music followed the meal as guests continued to socialise.

Behind the scenes, a team of volunteer cooks and servers worked throughout the evening to prepare and serve the food, clear tables and ensure the new project got off to a smooth start.

Organisers hope Ford Pawb will provide more than simply an affordable meal. The weekly gatherings are also intended to offer a warm and inclusive place where people can spend time together, reduce social isolation and strengthen community connections.

The strong turnout on the opening night demonstrated the appetite for such an initiative in Fishguard and Goodwick, and organisers and volunteers were congratulated for their hard work in bringing the project to life.