Drakeford takes oath as First Minister of Wales

LONDON: Mark Drakeford has been sworn in as First Minister of Wales ahead of an expected reshuffle of his cabinet.

The Welsh Labour leader was officially sworn in to the role at the Welsh government’s Cathays Park building by the presiding judge of Wales Justice Simon Picken.

During a short ceremony, Drakeford declared he would “well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second in the office of First Minister of Wales”.

After the swearing-in, Drakeford left to hold the first cabinet meeting since last week’s Senedd election to discuss Friday’s review of coronavirus restrictions.

The make-up of the cabinet is due to be announced later on Thursday, with government sources telling the PA news agency that changes to some positions were likely.

One position that will need to be filled is that of education minister, with Liberal Democrat Kirsty Williams having quit the Senedd after helping the previous Labour-led administration form a government.