Mark Drakeford named Wales' new Health Minister

The former First Minister has been asked to join the cabinet on an interim basis

Eluned Morgan: "Mark will bring his significant knowledge and experience"
Author: George SymondsPublished 7th Aug 2024
Last updated 7th Aug 2024

New First Minister Eluned Morgan has named former FM Mark Drakeford, as her replacement in the role as Health Minister.

Drakeford, who stepped down this year and was succeeded by Vaughan Gething, has been appointed as the health and social care secretary on an interim basis.

This arrangement will remain until a full cabinet reshuffle takes place in the autumn.

In a statement, Baroness Morgan said: "I am today pleased to announce appointments to the Ministerial team and Counsel General Designate.

"I confirm Huw Irranca-Davies in the role of Deputy First Minister in addition to his Climate Change and Rural Affairs Portfolio. As Deputy First Minister, Huw will support me in my role as First Minister and will work alongside me to deliver for the people for Wales.

"I have asked Mark Drakeford, Member for Cardiff West, to join the Ministerial team as Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care on an interim basis.

"Mark will bring his significant knowledge and experience to bear to continue our work to improve transparency and delivery. I will retain responsibility for the Welsh Language."

The current ministerial team for the Welsh Government:

• Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs: Huw Irranca-Davies MS

• Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Constitution and the Cabinet Office: Rebecca Evans MS

• Cabinet Secretary for Education: Lynne Neagle MS

• Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning: Jayne Bryant MS

• Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care: Mark Drakeford MS

• Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Transport and North Wales: Ken Skates MS

• Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: Jane Hutt MS

• Minister for Social Care: Dawn Bowden MS

• Minister for Social Partnership: Jack Sargeant MS

• Minister for Mental Health and Early Years: Sarah Murphy MS

• Counsel General Designate: Elisabeth Jones

Further announcements on portfolio allocations will be made in September following a listening exercise over the summer with the Welsh public.

Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.