The personalities behind the portfolios (part two)

Vaughan Gething has announced his new cabinet, with some surprises. In the second of two posts, I take a lighter look at some of the personalities behind the portfolios.

Mick Antoniw will remain Counsel General, though he loses responsibility for the constitution. As the Welsh Government’s chief law officer he may have his hands full with legal wrangling on the Senedd gender balance bill. Seen as a leading champion for radical reform of the union, Antoniw’s loss of the constitution brief will probably pique concern amongst more ardent supporters of greater devolution.

Some had thought Julie James may step down from government, but she retains a chunk of her old role with housing and planning whilst taking on local government. Though she may not have day-to-day control over policy decisions on the M4 relief road or energy generation, as planning minister she is likely to make the final legal call on major applications - making her a powerful figure.

Ken Skates rejoins the government with responsibility for transport and north Wales. Though he’s on record as being somewhat sceptical about the Welsh Government’s road building moratorium, he’s likely to strike a more conciliatory tone compared to his predecessor. Good on outreach, expect to see Skates as a visible presence for the government in the north.

Hannah Blythyn ruled herself out of the leadership contest to succeed Mark Drakeford but despite throwing her weight behind Jeremy Miles she remains in her old government role. Having risen through the trade union ranks, Blythyn will continue to co-ordinate the Welsh Government’s relationship with social partners. Expect her to maintain her grip on sorting out the problems in the fire service.

Jayne Bryant is the only “new new“ face in government and the first of the 2021 intake of Senedd Members to gain ministerial office. She’s been active in politics since the 1990s and has a reputation for being a campaigning politician. Warm and thoughtful with the ability to get things done - her new role covering mental health and early years, whilst challenging, will be a good match for her skills.

Dawn Bowden is a former head of health for UNISON, and as the new social care minister she’ll be familiar with many of the workforce challenges facing the sector. Key pressures around recruitment and retention of staff, pay and conditions, as well as wider problems on accessibility, costs and quality, give her plenty of problems to get stuck into.

March 23, 2024