May 19, 2026 - 216 views
Rhun ap Iorwerth has told his newly appointed Cabinet that the next four years must be defined by “professionalism, ambition, credibility and empathy” as the Welsh Government met for the first time since last week’s ministerial appointments.
Speaking at the first Cabinet meeting on Monday afternoon, the First Minister described it as a “historic day for Wales” and said he was proud to lead a team committed to improving the lives of people across the country.
Mr ap Iorwerth said the new administration represented “new energy, new ideas and new leadership” and stressed that ministers must move quickly to deliver on key promises.
He told Cabinet colleagues: “I want the next four years to be defined by four principles – professionalism, ambition, credibility and empathy. I ask each of you to keep those principles in mind in your work every day, and I promise to do the same.”
The First Minister also outlined six priorities which he said would be used to measure the Government’s success during its term in office.
They include cutting NHS waiting lists and building a health and care service fit for the future, helping families with the cost of living through affordable childcare, and boosting the Welsh economy to create well-paid jobs.
Other priorities include raising standards in schools, tackling child poverty and “standing up for Wales” by demanding fairness from Westminster.
The meeting marked the first full gathering of the new Welsh Government Cabinet following last week’s appointments, which came after the recent Senedd election.
