News
Eluned Morgan unveils new cabinet as Mark Drakeford takes on finance role
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.”
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Crime
Swansea Crown Court to deal with Narberth rape case
A 46-YEAR-OLD Haverfordwest man has appeared before a District Judge charged with raping a woman at an undisclosed location in Narberth.
Richard Murray, recently of Hill Street, Haverfordwest is accused of raping the woman on August 25, 2022. He is further charged with sexually assaulting a woman and of causing a female to engage in sexual activity without her consent. Both offences are alleged to have been committed on the same date, August 25.
Murray denied all three charges when he appeared before District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, September 17.
Judge Layton declined jurisdiction in the matter and the case will now be heard at Swansea Crown Court.
Murray was released on conditional bail, the condition being not to have any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim.
The matter will next be heard at Swansea Crown Court on October 14.
Crime
Pet running loose in Milford Haven was a banned fighting dog
A DOG that was seen running loose on a main road in Milford Haven was found to be an unregistered fighting XL Bully which, according to police experts, had the strength to cause someone ‘substantial injury’.
Officers were called to a property in Milford Haven on March 24 following numerous reports from members of the public that a dog was running loose on the road, causing what the Crown Prosecution described as ‘a hazard’ to drivers. There they found the dog enclosed in a front garden.
This week it’s owner, Megan Pouparrd, 20, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, pleaded guilty to possessing or having custody of a fighting dog.
“It was a typical XL Bully dog in relation to its appearance and size,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told District Judge Mark Layton sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
The dog, which had wandered approximately one mile from its owner’s home, was caught and taken away by officers for further examinations to be carried out to confirm its breed.
A police statement read out to Judge Layton stated that the dog was ‘very restless and curious’.
“He made no attempt to jump on us and was more interested in finding out about his new surroundings,” said the report.
“He was a very relaxed dog, but was also extremely strong, and could easily have knocked someone off their feet.”
A destruction order for the dog was submitted to the court by the police, however following a request by District Judge Mark Layton, this was delayed pending a behaviourist report to be carried out on the animal.
Sentencing was adjourned to October 8.
(Image: File)
Crime
Letterston man in court over ‘silly neighbours’ dispute’
A NEIGHBOURS’ dispute reached the courts this week when Letterston resident Stuart Wing pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his neighbour’s car.
“It was a silly dispute,” the 59-year-old told a district judge sitting at Haverfordwest magistrates court this week.
“We used to be good neighbours, but it was the stupidest of things. I’d put his bin bags back but then he fell out with me, giving me hand signals and calling me a scumbag.”
The incident took place on June 21, 2023 at Spring Gardens, Letterston.
“The victim [Clark Gretton], had left his property and entered his vehicle,” Crown Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told Judge Mark Layton.
“[The victim] said, ‘I’ll be glad to get away from these scumbags’, but the defendant was near and must have heard him, because he picked some gravel up and threw it at the car, causing chip marks.”
Ms Jackson said that the cost of the criminal damage to Mr Gretton’s Nissan Qashqai totaled £660.
After pleading guilty to causing criminal damage, Stuart Wing was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 court surcharge. He was also ordered to pay £660 compensation to Mr Gretton.
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