Qualified solicitor Mick Antoniw has succeeded Theo Huckle QC as the Welsh government’s chief legal adviser.

Antoniw (pictured) was reelected as the Labour representative for Pontypridd in May’s National Assembly elections.

The counsel general’s role involves providing legal advice to the Welsh government and representing it in legal proceedings. Other responsibilities include responding to proposals or consultations that affect legal matters in Wales and referring a provision of an assembly bill, including a Welsh government bill, to the Supreme Court.

First minister for Wales Carwyn Jones said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Mick to my government team. This is a critically important position, especially as we embark upon a new five-year term with a steadily increasing body of Welsh law underpinning our ambition to deliver on our commitments for the people of Wales.’

Antoniw said: ‘This is a critical period in Welsh history as we continue on our journey of devolution and strive to secure a Wales bill which provides us with the tools we need to deliver for the people of Wales.

‘There is much important work to do in a tight timescale.’

Before becoming a full-time politician in 2011, Antoniw was a partner at trade union firm Thompsons. His predecessor Huckle, of Doughty Street Chambers, was not a member of the assembly when he held the law officer role.