I am the locally elected Assembly Member for Pontypridd and and have been the Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills since October 2000. In both jobs I have been particularly keen to encourage young people to take part in politics.
I have introduced school councils in every school in Wales and work closely with Funky Dragon, the young people's national assembly for Wales. I am also making changes to the school curriculum to make it more interesting and create more chances for young people to get the right skills to go into good jobs.
I feel really proud of the fact that Welsh and English are official languages in Wales, although I am still trying to become fluent in Welsh!
I have lived in Gwaelod-Y-Garth for 16 years with my husband, Guy, and Joe (22), Lewis (18) and Hannah (16).
I actively represent the views of the people of Pontypridd to help make the changes that matter. Kim Howells, the local Labour MP, and I hold a regular advice sessions where you can see me with any problems or issues you may have.
