Date: 13/12/2018   |   Category - Local Democracy and Governance, News

Congratulating Mark Drakeford AM on his confirmation as the new First Minister of Wales, WLGA Leader Councillor Debbie Wilcox (Newport) said:

“On behalf of the WLGA and local government in Wales, I warmly congratulate Mark Drakeford AM on his confirmation as First Minister. We have valued our relationship with Mark in his previous Cabinet roles, his commitment to constructive engagement and his consensual approach to partnership governance

“He assumes office during a period of unprecedented economic and political turmoil. Local government is committed to working with the new First Minister and Welsh Government colleagues to address the issues facing our communities and our public services. We share a belief that our collective concerns are best tackled in partnership and that we are better able to deliver for the people of Wales when local and central government are united in their endeavours. Local government continues to face significant challenges in the years ahead, and we believe that we will secure the best results for the people of Wales if we work together in addressing them.”

Councillor Debbie Wilcox also congratulated Julie James AM on her appointment as Minister for Housing and Local Government, and Hannah Blythyn AM as Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government:

“Firstly, I would like to thank Alun Davies AM for his work as Cabinet Secretary for Local Government over the past year. Although some of our disagreements on the future of local government are well-documented, we welcomed the opportunity to discuss our vision and look forward to continuing the discussions he initiated with the Local Government Reform Working Group with the incoming ministers.”

“May I also extend my warmest congratulations to Julie James AM and Hannah Blythyn AM on their appointment as Minister and Deputy Minister respectively for Housing and Local Government. They have both shown great commitment to their portfolios in their previous roles in the Cabinet, and my fellow council leaders and I will look forward to working closely in partnership with them.”