Stephen Kinnock Appointed Welsh Secretary as Andy Burnham Forms Cabinet

Stephen Kinnock was appointed Secretary of State for Wales on Monday as Andy Burnham formed his first cabinet after becoming prime minister. Kinnock, who had served as a junior health minister, replaced Jo Stevens in the role. Kinnock was elected MP for Aberavon in 2015 and represents the constituency of Aberafan Maesteg.

He was born in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, and is the son of former Labour leader Neil Kinnock and the late Glenys Kinnock. Neil Kinnock, 84, said on Tuesday that he was "thrilled to bits" about the appointment. He added that his son had earned the position through a lifetime of action and service, including the last two years as Minister of State for Health.

Jo Stevens, who had held the post since Labour took power in 2024, said Wales had secured its biggest budget settlement for public services in the history of devolution. She also cited a generational commitment of £14bn for Welsh railways during her tenure. Nick Thomas-Symonds announced he would leave government after serving as the UK's chief negotiator with the European Union since July 2024.

Vale of Glamorgan MP Kanishka Narayan was named minister for artificial intelligence and will attend cabinet. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth said the new Welsh secretary must respect devolution and expressed hope for a reset in relations between Cardiff and London.