THE only Gwent AM included in Carwyn Jones’ new cabinet has pledged to work alongside his cross-party colleagues to improve educational opportunities across Wales in his new role.

Alun Davies has represented Blaenau Gwent since 2011 and was re-elected to the seat earlier this month. On Thursday, May 19 he was named as minister for lifelong learning and the Welsh language in Carwyn Jones’ new cabinet.

The Labour AM, who was first elected to the Assembly on the regional list for Mid and West Wales in 2007, said he would use the role to improve education for both children and adults.

“In terms of early years it’s about nurturing and giving some of the poorest children in Wales the best start in life,” he said.

“We want to making sure when children start school they are ready with the skills they need.

“In terms of lifelong learning it’s about making sure we have the skills available for people who need to learn for new opportunities.”

Mr Davies has also been asked to lead a ministerial taskforce for The Valleys, which he said would be “absolutely key” in ensuring Labour delivered on its election manifesto promises.

“That is something which cuts across all the Welsh Government’s work,” he said.

“We have some specific challenges in The Valleys and we need to whole of the government to focus on that, whether it’s about the South Wales Metro or the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone.”

He said he was looking forward to working alongside his new cabinet colleagues, which include the Assembly’s sole Liberal Democrat AM Kirsty Williams, who has been handed the education portfolio.

“[Mr Jones] has reached beyond Labour with Kirsty Williams,” he said.

“I have known her for years – she’s a very talented politician and I look forward to working alongside her.

“What we need to be able to do is deliver an industrial policy for Wales which can deliver the skills, work alongside [new economy and infrastructure secretary] Ken Skates to deliver jobs and infrastructure and do that in a way which is sustainable for the future

“We’ve got a relatively small government so we’ve got the ability to work together and not just be locked away in silos.

“I anticipate working very closely with, for example, [new health secretary] Vaughan Gething.”

Mr Davies has previously served as deputy minister for agriculture, food, fisheries and European programmes as well as minister for natural resources and food.