Carwyn Jones today announced that he was making changes to his Cabinet. We waited with baited breath to see what sweeping changes he would make that would help address the massive problems in the Health Service, turn around our education system, and do something positive to drive our economy forward.
Just a few weeks ago Wales Online carried an article by one of its senior reporters questioned whether what he described as the low calibre of Ministers was damaging Labour. Personally I am more concerned about the damage they are doing to Wales and the lives of people here, but certainly would not disagree with his assessment of their capabilities.
So what did we get today? A game of musical chairs, the only difference being that instead of any chairs being taken away a new one was added, and there was just a bit of juggling for position amongst the chosen few. The result was disappointing to say the least, although looking around the Chamber at the Labour contingent it is difficult to see who could have been brought in.
Leighton Andrews continues as Education Minister - given free rein to continue with his over bearing, arrogant "because I say so" attitude that is doing nothing to raise standards in this country. Edwina Hart keeps the economy brief, despite constant statistics showing how far Wales is falling behind the rest of the UK, and gets transport thrown in for good measure.
Lesley Griffiths has been a disaster overseeing Health, so what does Carwyn do? He gives her Local Government.
The agricultural community have felt aggrieved for some time that there has been no Minister for Agriculture but at least they had a Deputy Minister previously. That role has now disappeared. There is now a new Minister for "natural resources and food."
Sustainability is hidden in amongst the new role of Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, along with Communities First, equalities, children, welfare reform, and the voluntary sector. Were these pulled out of a hat?
What we need from this Labour Welsh Government is action on the key issues that affect all our lives and the economic future of this country. Not a rearranging of the toy box.
Karen Roberts
Campaign Manager RCT Welsh Liberal Democrats
New Cabinet
Health: Mark Drakeford
Education: Leighton Andrews
Economy, Transport and Science: Edwina Hart
Housing and Regeneration: Carl Sargeant
Local Government: Lesley Griffiths
Communities and Tackling Poverty: Huw Lewis
Chief Whip: Janice Gregory
Natural Resources and Food: Alun Davies
Finance / Leader of the House: Jane Hutt
Culture and Sport: John Griffiths

Deputy Ministers

Social Services: Gwenda Thomas
Skills: Jeff Cuthbert