Kirsty Williams will stay on as Education Secretary in the new First Minister's cabinet, it has been confirmed.

An agreement was reached between the Assembly Member for Brecon Radnorshire and Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford on Wednesday, December 12.

The only Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member joined the Welsh Government in 2016 when Labour fell short of a majority at the election in May.

The 2016 'Progressive Agreement' was reaffirmed with some priorities added such as to deliver a "world-class curriculum", "new Welsh right to life-long learning" and "a ‘whole school’ approach to mental health". 

Ms Williams said in a statement: "I am pleased to reach this agreement with the new First Minister. This agreement allows us to build on our achievements over the last two years and to continue on our national mission of raising standards, reducing the attainment gap, and delivering an education system that is a source of national pride and public confidence."

Former Local Government Secretary Alun Davies AM took to Twitter to say it was "great news" that Ms Williams was reappointed to the Cabinet. 

"This is great news. @Kirsty_Williams has been a reforming minister and a radical voice in cabinet."

National Union of Students Wales said: "We very much value our excellent relationship with Kirsty and look forward to continuing to work with her to improve the lives of students right across Wales."

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said the party is "proud" of Kirsty's work in the Welsh Government.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats and I are proud of the work Kirsty is doing within the Welsh Government to implement Welsh Lib Dem policies and improve the lives of people across Wales.

"Kirsty has already delivered many of the transformational policies contained in the first progressive agreement, including increasing funding for disadvantaged pupils, increasing the supply of affordable housing and delivering the most generous and progressive student finance system in the UK.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats have a proud tradition of delivering for our communities and this agreement does just that," Ms Dodds added.