Hutt was a councillor on South Glamorgan County Council and a former vice-chair of the Social Services Committee.

She remained in post until January 2005 when she was removed from the position, following strong criticism over long hospital waiting lists.

[8] An independent report showed that even though waiting list time targets were higher than in England and Scotland, Hutt had still failed to meet them.

As a result, her position became untenable, as some became worried that the problems could even damage the case for further Welsh devolution.

In the coalition, Cabinet announced on 19 July 2007 she became Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills.

She left the government during the November 2017 reshuffle, but returned as Chief Whip thirteen months later under new First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Hutt was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2023 Birthday Honours for political and public service.