Edwina Hart AM
‘Labour’s First Minister must explain how his newly appointed Minister for Almost Everything intends to manage her bulging portfolio and how splitting agriculture and environment will benefit communities – or risk trust being lost in his government.’
That’s the call from Welsh Conservatives – who have raised questions over one of the largest and most varied ministerial portfolios in 15 years of the National Assembly.
The new Minister for Economy, Science, Transport, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food is slowly – but surely – consuming multiple areas of government.
Her areas of responsibility now far outweigh any other Cabinet member – including Labour’s First Minister.
Carwyn Jones has yet to explain how Edwina Hart will manage the portfolios, whether her office will take on extra resources, or if additional special advisers will be allocated to her.
The decision to wrench the agriculture and environment portfolios apart has also been criticised by Welsh Conservatives – who have branded it another snub to farmers and a ‘downgrading’ of a hugely significant area of Welsh life.
Following the dramatic dismissal of the Natural Resources Minister this week, Labour’s first minister U-turned on his previous amalgamation of the two briefs.
Farming unions and wildlife groups have attacked the move.
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies AM, said, “Edwina Hart may have lost Labour’s leadership battle five years ago – but she is slowly taking over the reins of Welsh Government.
“These portfolios are all hugely significant and we need to know exactly how the minister will manage them.
“Trust will rightly be lost in her leadership if guarantees are not provided by Labour’s first minister.
“I fear this will turn into a juggling act and communities will suffer.
“Wrenching the agriculture and environment briefs apart is a damaging mistake that will only cause chaos and confusion.”
Welsh Conservative Minister for Natural Resources, Russell George AM, said, “This is effectively downgrading agriculture.
“It is a clear slap in the face for farmers at a time when they are already lacking Labour government support.
“The First Minister was right to merge portfolios. His U-turn will result only in disarray and I support calls for him to correct this mistake.”
