Ken Skates steps down from cabinet to concentrate on constituency
The member of the Welsh parliament who represents Chirk and the north Shropshire border is stepping away from being a minister.
Ken Skates, member for Clwyd South, regained his seat in this month's elections to the Senedd.
He has stepped down from his role as as minister of economy, transport and North Wales but will remain as a Labour back bencher.
Mr Skates said: "Being re-elected as Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South is a huge honour. It has been a privilege to work with constituents over the last ten years to improve and champion our area, and I will continue to work as hard as I possibly can.
"This week I informed the First Minister of my wish to step away from Welsh Government. After eight years in government, now is the right time.
"Clwyd South has always remained my number one priority, and my decision will enable me to spend more time in the constituency, focusing on local matters, as well as further strengthening the Party’s position in North Wales and further afield.
"I will continue to be a loyal supporter of First Minister Mark Drakeford and our Welsh Labour Government from the back benches.
"Above all, I will spend the next five years focusing relentlessly on helping the people and communities of Clwyd South as the local Member of the Senedd."
