The Welsh Gov appoints first Black Minister

The young man born in Zambia brought up in rural Dorset, who has spent most of his adult life in Wales, now becomes the first Black Minister for Wales in the Welsh Assembly.

Vaughan Gething has taken on a new position as deputy minister for tackling poverty and has been sworn into his role today.

Vaughan is used to being the first Black man in many areas: He was the first Black president of the Welsh NUS and the first Black president of the Welsh TUC. In 2011 he became the first Welsh Assembly member of African decent. And now the first Welsh Minister.

I’ve known Vaughn for over a decade and know that his route to high office has not been easy, far from it. But having watched many would-be politicians for a number of years, Gething stands out for his quite strength and in politics, his unusual dignity not to want to trample over anyone in his way to get to the top.

I am particularly pleased he has been given the political portfolio to help tackle poverty. That’s what he cares about most. Lets support him and congratulate him in equal measure.

Simon Woolley