Jo Stevens will step down as Secretary of State for Wales as incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to announce his new ministerial team. Stevens announced her departure on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating she was "proud" of her service in the government.
During her time in office, Stevens highlighted the Welsh government's receipt of its largest budget settlement for public services in the history of devolution. However, she had also faced criticism from some Welsh Labour politicians who advocated for greater powers for the Welsh government.
The successor to Stevens has not yet been announced. First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth stated that the next Welsh secretary should be "someone who respects and wants to see devolution work." He indicated plans for a conversation with Burnham regarding this matter, expressing hope for a "reset" in the relationship between Cardiff and London under a new prime minister.
Ap Iorwerth suggested that former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer showed limited interest in devolution or Wales. He conveyed optimism that the relationship with Burnham might improve, citing Burnham's background in understanding and valuing devolution.