News

Eluned Morgan unveils new cabinet as Mark Drakeford takes on finance role

Published

3 months ago

September 11, 2024

WALES’ First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has revealed her newly appointed cabinet just days after her predecessor, Vaughan Gething, announced he would step down from the Senedd.

Baroness Morgan, who had already formed an interim cabinet over the summer, made a notable choice in bringing former First Minister Mark Drakeford back into government as health secretary for the past month. On Wednesday, it was confirmed that Mr Drakeford will remain in government, but in a new capacity as finance and Welsh language secretary.

Mr Gething, who took over as First Minister in March, officially stepped down from his role last month following a series of ministerial resignations that called for his departure. His short tenure ended after just four months, a period marred by internal discord within the Welsh Labour government.

Two former ministers, who were part of those resignations, have now returned to government under Baroness Morgan’s leadership. Among them is Jeremy Miles, Mr Gething’s former leadership rival, who will now serve as health secretary. Julie James, another familiar face, has returned as counsel general – the government’s top legal post – and minister for delivery.

Mr Gething has announced his intention to leave the Welsh parliament entirely at the next election, scheduled for 2026. In a statement, he confirmed he would not seek a role in the current administration, but would continue to support the government from the backbenches.

Baroness Morgan praised her new team, stating it represents “all of Wales” and would offer “stability, draw on experience, and bring our collective talents together”. However, the Welsh Conservatives, the largest opposition party in the Senedd, were quick to criticise the reshuffle, claiming it was “still the same old Labour” and accusing the party of focusing on “pointless pet projects”.

In the reshuffle, Huw Irranca-Davies, who ran alongside Baroness Morgan during the Welsh Labour leadership contest, retains his position as deputy first minister and secretary for climate change and rural affairs. Ken Skates continues to oversee transport and North Wales, while Rebecca Evans takes on the economy brief. Lynne Neagle and Jayne Bryant remain education and housing secretaries, respectively, while Jane Hutt stays on as social justice secretary, as well as the government’s chief whip and Trefnydd (leader of the house).

The only newcomer to the cabinet is Vikki Howells, who has been appointed as minister for further and higher education. Sarah Murphy and Dawn Bowden remain as ministers for mental health and social care, respectively, while Jack Sergeant continues as minister for social partnership, with culture and skills added to his responsibilities.

Baroness Morgan will face her first round of First Minister’s Questions in the Senedd next week.

Responding to the First Minister’s new Cabinet, Andrew RT Davies MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “While there may be a new First Minister, it’s still the same old Labour.

“We know that this Labour Welsh Government will continue to fail in the key areas that matter to Wales while they focus time and energy on pointless pet projects.

“The Welsh Conservatives are the true alternative to Labour’s politics of distractions, and only with a Welsh Conservative Government will things finally change for the better.”

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.