BRECON and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams has come under fire after joining the Welsh Labour cabinet.

First Minister Carwyn Jones appointed the Liberal Democrat as his education secretary after he was finally confirmed in the top job once more.

Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies accused Ms Williams of betraying her previous criticism of the Labour government.

He said: "That Kirsty Williams is now joining Labour’s magic roundabout, which she has spent the last five years railing against, is astounding and shows how elastic her principles really are.

"Could this be the same Kirsty Williams who in February, during her party conference speech, declared that the ‘easy route’ would be to join Labour, and that Welsh Liberal Democrats ‘do not take the easy route’? It seems so.

"It is undemocratic that a party with just 7% of the vote should be given the responsibility of presiding over the education of our children. Voters will only be too aware of her party’s track-record on delivering education policy."

Ms Williams’ cabinet position is dependent on her securing the approval of her party this weekend.

Both Ms Williams and Mr Jones have said the deal doesn’t amount to a coalition but Ms Williams said key Welsh Lib Dem policies can be implemented.

She said: "I’ve been fortunate to receive the support of friends, family and fellow Welsh Liberal Democrat members across the country in the last week. We stood on a manifesto that was ambitious and optimistic, with plans and ideas for education at its heart. I am honoured to have the opportunity to take forward those commitments."

With Ms Williams the government has half of the Assembly’s 60 seats so could still have to rely on opposition support to pass legislation.

Labour had also reached an agreement on policy areas with Plaid Cymru after it nominated leader Leanne Wood as First Minister - forcing a tied vote in the Assembly with Mr Jones only saved by the support of Ms Williams.

After Plaid reached its deal with Mr Jones both Ms Wood and Ms Williams were criticised by the newly elected AM for Mid and West Wales Neil Hamilton.

The leader of Ukip in the Assembly caused controversy after referring to Ms Williams and Ms Wood as "political concubines in Carwyn’s harem."

Labour AM for Mid and West Wales Joyce Watson said she has lodged on official complaint against the "sexist" language used by the former Conservative MP.

Ms Watson said she had sent an email to presiding officer Elin Jones calling for Mr Hamilton to be sanctioned.

She said Mr Hamilton should apologise: "Robust debate is one thing, a good and necessary thing, but I will always challenge that sort of sexist, boorish, bully-boy behaviour. He should apologise.”