WELSH Labour leader Rhodri Morgan has welcomed Paul Murphy’s appointment as the new Secretary of State for Wales.

The First Minister said he had developed “an instinctive relationship of trust” with Paul Murphy and looked forward to working closely with him again.

RHODRI MORGAN said:

“Paul Murphy and I have been members of the Labour movement and party in Wales for as long as either of us cares to remember. We have known each other for over 20 years and have developed an instinctive relationship of trust.

“I am absolutely certain that Paul as Secretary of State for Wales is good for the Labour movement.

“Paul is the ultimate safe pair of hands and safe pair of Labour hands.

“I have already discussed some matters with Paul and I look forward tremendously to working closely with him.”