A "thrilled" Peter Hain and his new bride, Elizabeth Haywood

In a "small, private" ceremony, Mr Hain, 53, married Elizabeth Haywood, 47, at the register office in his constituency in Neath, south Wales.

The Hains will not be going on honeymoon, but a wedding party will be held at Mr Hain's London offices on 25 June.

But as Mr Hain was enjoying his big day controversy continued over his promotion to leader of the Commons in Thursday's cabinet reshuffle, coupled with his continuing role as Secretary of State for Wales.

Plaid Cymru said the row proved that the Welsh assembly needed its own law-making powers, and the Tories claimed nobody would be speaking for Wales when Mr Hain was doing his other job.

His only answer to that is 'I'm going to have to do with less sleep' Plaid Cymru's Ieuan Wyn Jones on Peter Hain's two jobs

But Lord Falconer, whose new department now includes Welsh affairs, said it would be "perfectly possible" for Mr Hain to devote enough time Wales.

Political controversy was overlooked on Saturday morning, however, as Mr Hain exchanged vows with his new wife, the former director of the bosses' organisation the Confederation of British Industry Wales.

In a statement, the couple said: "We are both thrilled.

"It was an informal, enjoyable occasion - no frills, no formalities, but lots of enjoyment with our family and close friends, who have given us so much support."

Reception

Mr Hain, who became a grandfather last year, was divorced from his first wife Pat last year after 24 years of marriage. They were separated four years ago.

There's no honeymoon for the happy - and busy - couple

Ms Haywood, who has not been married before, is the managing director of a Cardiff-based headhunting firm.

A spokesman for Mr Hain said the ceremony was a "small, private occasion" and that both sets of parents attended, along with about 30 other guests.

I've absolutely no doubt that Peter will be a very effective voice for Wales both in Parliament and in the cabinet Lord Falconer

The best man was Howard Davies, Mr Hain's political agent.

A reception was being held at The Towers hotel in Neath.

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock and his wife Glenys, and Welsh entertainer Max Boyce were due to be among the guests.

On Friday Mr Hain insisted that contrary to initial reports he was still Welsh Secretary, and that the Wales Office was not being abolished.

The Wales and Scotland offices are being incorporated in the new Department for Constitutional Affairs headed by Lord Falconer.

Lord Falconer told BBC Radio Wales on Saturday that officials in his department would support Mr Hain "in all that he does as Welsh Secretary".

He said: "The effect of the changes is to reflect the fact that as a result of the constititutional settlement involving devolution to the assembly there is much less for the Wales Office to do in London.

"For that reason the administration arrangements have been reduced. But there is still a cabinet minister speaking for Wales in the cabinet - Peter Hain."

"I've absolutely no doubt that Peter will be a very effective voice for Wales both in Parliament and in the cabinet. Wales should have its own voice in cabinet and that's what it's got."

But these reassurances failed to satisfy opposition parties.

'Shambles'

Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said the reshuffle "botch" showed that the assembly had to be able to pass its own legislation.

"His department as Secretary of State for Wales only seems to be a part-time job and his only answer to that is 'I'm going to have to do with less sleep'," said Mr Jones.

Welsh Conservative MEP Jonathan Evans did not accept that this meant the assembly needed more powers, and accused Plaid of using Labour's "shambles" to push its own "nationalist agenda".

Mr Evans said nobody would be representing Wales when Mr Hain was doing his other job as leader of the Commons.

Mr Hain will be responsible for taking Welsh legislation through the Commons and liaising with the Welsh assembly.

He will hold talks with Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan on Monday.