UK's longest-serving female minister leaves Senedd

Jane Hutt became Wales' health minister 25 years ago

The UK's longest-serving female minister is leaving the Welsh Parliament next year.

Social Justice Secretary Jane Hutt, 75, has enjoyed an almost unbroken cabinet run in various roles, since powers were devolved from Westminster to Wales in 1999.

The Labour Vale of Glamorgan Senedd member has announced she will stand down from Cardiff Bay at the May 2026 election. She previously led the health and education ministries and served under six first ministers.

She made the announcement on the same day as Swansea West MS Julie James - who is standing down after representing the seat since 2011.

Both departures mean more than a third of the Labour Senedd group, 12 out of the 30 members, are quitting the parliament next year.

In a statement, Hutt said it was a difficult decision to make but she would be working as hard as ever over the next 16 months, "standing up for the Vale, for Wales and for the social justice principles and values that brought me into politics".

Hutt thanked the people of Vale of Glamorgan for their "wonderful support, friendship and opportunities" over the last 25 years as their elected Welsh Parliament member.

She said it had been an honour and privilege to represent and serve her constituents in every part of Vale of Glamorgan.

"I have also been very fortunate to be given the opportunity to serve in the Welsh government over this period helping to shape and support policies and laws to meet the needs of Wales," she added.

Currently serving as the government's counsel general and minister for delivery, James had previously been responsible for local government, housing and climate change.

James described her time representing Swansea West since 2011 as the "privilege of her life", adding that it had been "an honour" to serve in the Welsh government since 2017.

"I am deeply grateful for the trust and support I have received over the years - I will always look back on this period with immense gratitude to everyone who has worked so hard alongside me," she added.

Julie James will stand down after 15 years in 2026

Hutt became Welsh health minister in 1999, when Alun Michael led the first devolved government in Cardiff.

Tony Blair was two years into his spell as UK prime minister, Bill Clinton was US President and Boris Yeltsin was leading Russia.

What was then called the Millennium Stadium was about to open in the Welsh capital.

Hutt's current full title is Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd [government business manager] and Chief Whip.

Her responsibilities include co-ordinating measures to increase prosperity and tackle poverty, managing Welsh government business in the Senedd and maintaining Labour members discipline in the chamber so that business gets through.

The next Senedd poll is predicted to be potentially tough for Labour, under a new voting system that will reflect more how people vote.

The Welsh Parliament will also expand from 60 to 96 members in May 2026.

The other Labour members leaving the Senedd include former first ministers Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething.