INTRODUCING a dedicated housing secretary and doing more to support the social care sector were among the "bread and butter policies" outlined by a potential new first minister during a visit to Blackwood.

Mark Drakeford, who, along with Vaughan Gething and Eluned Morgan, is standing to replace Carwyn Jones when he steps down as first minister and Welsh Labour leader in December, met supporters at Blackwood Miners' Institute earlier today, Thursday.

Saying it was time for "a 21st century socialism", Mr Drakeford outlined a series of what he called "bread and butter policies" at the event. He said a Welsh Government under his leadership would place a greater emphasis on the importance of housing, and would introduce a dedicated housing secretary role.

"It is such a fundamental building block to a decent life, that you have somewhere you can call your own," he said.

"There is much more that we can do in the housing field with the powers we already have , and I am determined that is what we will do."

The finance secretary also said he would do more to support people working in the social care sector to provide a better service to those who rely on it through a range of measures, including stamping out long-term zero-hour contracts.

"For far too long we have expected social care to be provided on the cheap," he said.

"The people who have to provide that care have been treated in ways they will not be treated in the future."

Mr Drakeford also committed to introducing specific targets around reuniting looked-after children with their families, or getting them in stable living situation.

The event, which was attended by around 40 people, was one of a series of similar events Mr Drakeford is holding around Wales during the campaign.

The winning candidate will be announced on Thursday, December 6, and the winning candidate will take up position the following Wednesday, December 12.