Former Labour leader 'thrilled to bits' as son becomes new Welsh secretary

Stephen Kinnock has been appointed as the new Welsh secretary, a move that forms part of a broad cabinet overhaul initiated by Andy Burnham on his first day as prime minister. The Aberafan Maesteg MP, who previously served as a health minister, replaces Cardiff East MP Jo Stevens.

The appointment has been met with enthusiasm from his father, the former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock. Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, the 84-year-old described the news as a delight and stated he was thrilled to bits following a late-night conversation with his son. Lord Kinnock suggested that the role would allow his son to directly influence United Kingdom affairs for the benefit of Wales, noting that the position was earned through a lifetime of service. Stephen Kinnock himself characterized the appointment as the privilege of my life.

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The transition marks the end of Jo Stevens’s tenure as Welsh secretary, a role she held since Labour came to power in 2024. Reflecting on her time in office, Stevens highlighted several achievements, including the largest budget settlement for public services in the history of devolution, the transformation of the steel industry, and investment in nuclear energy at Wylfa. She also cited a commitment of £14bn for Welsh railways and growth fund settlements. Despite her departure, Stevens offered well wishes to the new prime minister and her successor.

However, Stevens’s time in the role drew criticism from some Welsh Labour politicians, with some former ministers describing her as anti-devolution due to her stance on transferring powers—such as policing—to the Welsh government. The question of devolution remains a central focus for the new administration. The first minister of Wales, Rhun ap Iorwerth, has urged the prime minister to translate commitments into action, specifically calling for control over policing, justice, rail, and the Crown Estate in his initial call with Andy Burnham. Downing Street reported that the prime minister intends to foster a collaborative and pragmatic relationship with devolved administrations to boost economic growth.

Political reaction from other parties has been varied. Liz Saville Roberts, the Westminster leader for Plaid Cymru, congratulated the new secretary while simultaneously labeling the office of the Welsh secretary an anachronism that sits uneasily with the current state of devolution. She expressed hope for constructive engagement regarding the transfer of rail infrastructure, the Crown Estate, and justice and policing, noting that her party’s performance in the Senedd election in May provides a clear mandate.

Within the Labour ranks, Tonia Antoniazzi, the MP for Gower and chair of the Northern Ireland Committee, described the recent political changes as a brutal 24 hours for friends and colleagues. Antoniazzi emphasized the pressure on the new leadership to reverse the tide following Labour’s defeat in the Senedd election in May. She stated her intention to work closely with Chris Bryant, who has been promoted to the role of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Several Starmer-era ministers, including Rachel Reeves, Steve Reed, David Lammy, and Nick Thomas-Symonds, have departed from government. In contrast, Burnham has appointed allies such as Miatta Fahnbulleh as energy and net zero secretary.

Stephen Kinnock was born in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent, to parents Neil and Glenys Kinnock. First elected as the MP for Aberavon in 2015, he now represents Aberafan Maesteg. He has two children with the former Danish prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt. As the new Welsh secretary, he has stated his intention to work across governments to support Welsh communities and foster a strong Wales within the United Kingdom.