# First Minister of Wales

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/First_Minister_of_Wales
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/First_Minister_of_Wales.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Minister_of_Wales
> Source revision: 1356635214
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Leader of the Welsh Government

This article is about the office. For a list of Welsh first ministers, see [List of first ministers of Wales](/source/List_of_first_ministers_of_Wales).

First Minister of Wales Prif Weinidog Cymru (Welsh) Logo Flag of Wales Incumbent Rhun ap Iorwerth since 12 May 2026 (2026-05-12) Welsh Government Welsh Cabinet Senedd Style First Minister (informal) The Right Honourable (UK and Commonwealth) His Excellency (international) Status Head of Government Abbreviation FM Member of Senedd Welsh Cabinet Privy Council British-Irish Council PM and Heads of Devolved Governments Council Council of the Nations and Regions Reports to Senedd Seat Crown Buildings, Cathays Park, Cardiff Nominator Senedd Appointer The Monarch Term length At His Majesty's pleasure, unless removed by Senedd or resignation Formation 12 May 1999 First holder Alun Michael AM Salary £174,600 per annum (2026)[1] (including £79,817 MS salary) Website https://www.gov.wales/rhun-ap-iorwerth-ms

This article is part of a series within the Politics of the United Kingdom on the Politics of Wales The Crown The Monarch Charles III Heir Apparent William, Prince of Wales Prerogative Royal family Succession Privy Council King-in-Parliament Lord-lieutenant Llwynywermod England and Wales Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542 Principality of Wales Welsh republicanism Government Welsh Government Ap Iorwerth government (list) First Minister (list) Rhun ap Iorwerth (PC) Deputy First Minister Sioned Williams (PC) Cabinet Civil Service Welsh Budget Taxation Directorates Sponsored bodies State-owned enterprises Crown Buildings, Cathays Park Counsel General – Elfyn Llwyd (designate) (PC) Chief Whip and Trefnydd – Heledd Fychan MS (PC) Permanent Secretary International relations Welsh Government international offices Legislature Senedd Seventh Senedd Llywydd (Presiding Officer) Huw Irranca-Davies MS (L) Leader of the Opposition Dan Thomas (R) Shadow Cabinet (R) Welsh law Primary ( Acts Measures list ) Secondary ( Statutory instruments list ) Members (MSs) Current members Elections (previous by-elections) Constituencies former regions First Minister's Questions Senedd Commissioner for Standards Powers and status Devolution referendum (2011 referendum) Government of Wales Act 1998 2006 Act 2014 Act 2017 Act Senedd estate, Cardiff Bay (Senedd building Tŷ Hywel Pierhead Building) Wales and the United Kingdom HM Government Starmer ministry Prime Minister Rt Hon Keir Starmer MP (L) Secretary of State for Wales Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP (L) UK Parliament 59th Parliament House of Commons Wales Office Under-Secretary Welsh Grand Committee Welsh Affairs Select Committee Interministerial Standing Committee Government of Wales Act 2006 Elections Constituencies Current Westminster MPs Barnett formula Devolution 1978 Proposed Welsh Assembly (Wales Act 1978) Devolved matters Reserved matters Proposed matters Legislative consent motion Status Unionism Independence Politics of the United Kingdom Law and justice Welsh law English law Wales-only laws Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542 Wales and Berwick Act 1746 Capital of Wales: Cardiff Supreme Court of the United Kingdom Courts of England and Wales President of Welsh Tribunals Police forces Police and crime commissioner (list) Proposed Welsh justice system Local administration History Subdivisions of Wales Historic counties (list) Preserved counties (list) Principal areas (list) Former districts list pre-1973 list 1974-1996 Communities (list) Local government Principal councils (leader list) Corporate Joint Committees Cities (list) Cardiff (Mayor / Council) Swansea (Mayor / Council) Newport (Mayor / Council) Wrexham (Mayor / Council) Community council (list) Communities with city status Bangor St Asaph St Davids Local twinning see also: Regional terms and Regional economy Elections and referendums Senedd elections 1999 2003 2007 2011 2016 2021 2026 Next United Kingdom Parliament elections 1801 co-option 1802 1806 1807 1812 1818 1820 1826 1830 1831 1832 1835 1837 1841 1847 1852 1857 1859 1865 1868 1874 1880 1885 1886 1892 1895 1900 1906 1910 (Jan) 1910 (Dec) 1918 1922 1923 1924 1929 1931 1935 1945 1950 1951 1955 1959 1964 1966 1970 1974 (Feb) 1974 (Oct) 1979 1983 1987 1992 1997 2001 2005 2010 2015 2017 2019 2024 Next European Parliament elections (1979–2020) 1979 1984 1989 1994 1999 2004 2009 2014 2019 Local elections 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1999 2004 2008 2012 2017 2022 2027 Police and crime commissioner elections 2012 2016 2021 Referendums 1975 1979 1997 2011 2011 2016 1915–1916 Church of England border polls 2004 Ceredigion mayoral Senedd constituencies and electoral regions UK Parliament constituencies Political parties Represented in the Senedd (Plaid Cymru Reform UK Labour Conservatives Co-operative Party Greens Liberal Democrats) Think tanks Category Wales portal Other countries v t e

The **First Minister of Wales** ([Welsh](/source/Welsh_language): *Prif Weinidog Cymru*) is the head of the [Welsh Government](/source/Welsh_Government) and keeper of the [Welsh Seal](/source/Welsh_Seal). Established in 1999 as a result of [Welsh devolution](/source/Welsh_devolution) and initially as the **assembly first secretary**,[2] the office serves as Wales's most senior political position and has evolved significantly through successive constitutional reforms. The first minister chairs the [Welsh Cabinet](/source/Welsh_Cabinet), leads the formulation and implementation of government policy across all devolved areas, and represents Wales in official capacities both domestically and internationally, including on constitutional affairs when they relate to devolution and the Welsh Government.

The first minister is a [member of the Senedd](/source/Member_of_the_Senedd) who is nominated by the [Senedd](/source/Senedd) (Welsh Parliament; [Welsh](/source/Welsh_language): *Senedd Cymru*) before being officially appointed by the [Monarch](/source/Monarchy_of_the_United_Kingdom). The first minister appoints members of the cabinet, junior ministers, and law officers, whilst remaining directly accountable to the Senedd for their actions and those of the Welsh Government. The first minister exercises executive authority over matters that are devolved to the Welsh Government including powers relating to health, education, economic development, transport, housing, and the [Welsh language](/source/Welsh_language), whilst working within the broader constitutional framework of the [United Kingdom](/source/United_Kingdom).

The first minister maintains offices at the [Crown Buildings](/source/Crown_Buildings%2C_Cathays_Park), in [Cathays Park](/source/Cathays_Park), [Cardiff](/source/Cardiff), which serves as Welsh Government headquarters and in [Tŷ Hywel](/source/T%C5%B7_Hywel), adjacent to the [Senedd building](/source/Senedd_building) in [Cardiff Bay](/source/Cardiff_Bay).[3] and. The incumbent first minister is [Rhun ap Iorwerth](/source/Rhun_ap_Iorwerth), who has served since 12 May 2026.[4]

## History

See also: [List of first ministers of Wales](/source/List_of_first_ministers_of_Wales)

The [Government of Wales Act 1998](/source/Government_of_Wales_Act_1998) established the [National Assembly for Wales](/source/National_Assembly_for_Wales), with an executive (the Cabinet) and a limited legislature.[5] The head of the Welsh executive was initially titled "Assembly First Secretary" ([Welsh](/source/Welsh_language): *Prif Ysgrifennydd y Cynulliad*) under Section 53(1) of the 1998 Act.[6][2]

The establishment of the assembly followed campaign efforts since the 20th century for the transfer administrative responsibilities from [Whitehall](/source/Whitehall) to Wales.[7] Following the 1964 UK election, a new [Secretary of State for Wales](/source/Welsh_Office) was created with responsibility for housing, local government and roads, with additional powers gradually added over subsequent years.[8] The 1973 [Royal Commission on the Constitution](/source/Royal_Commission_on_the_Constitution_(United_Kingdom)) recommended the creation of elected bodies for Scotland and Wales,[8] but the proposals were rejected by 79.7% to 20.3% in the [1979 Welsh devolution referendum](/source/1979_Welsh_devolution_referendum).[9][10] Following their 1997 manifesto commitments, the incoming [Labour](/source/Labour_Party_(UK)) UK government[8] held a [referendum on devolution in September 1997](/source/1997_Welsh_devolution_referendum),[11] with 50.3% voting in favour and 49.7% against, on majority of just 6,721 votes.[8]

The first person to hold the office was [Alun Michael](/source/Alun_Michael), who became Assembly First Secretary on 12 May 1999.[12] Michael later resigned months later on 9 February 2000, due to his minority Labour administration experiencing difficulties in securing agreement from other parties over [European Union](/source/European_Union) Objective One funding, and resigned to avoid a vote of no confidence by the opposition parties.[13][14]

### Title change

Michael's successor [Rhodri Morgan](/source/Rhodri_Morgan), appointed in February 2000,[15] announced that he would want to be addressed as "First Minister" rather than "First Secretary". Morgan also renamed "Assembly Secretaries" as "Ministers".[16]

The [Government of Wales Act 2006](/source/Government_of_Wales_Act_2006) made the first minister the official "Keeper of the [Welsh Seal](/source/Welsh_Seal)" and allowed the post to be formally known as "First Minister".[17]

## Appointment process

See also: [List of first ministers of Wales](/source/List_of_first_ministers_of_Wales)

Candidates for the position of first minister are nominated by Members of the [Senedd](/source/Senedd), who elect the first minister by majority vote.[18][19] If no candidate achieves a majority in the first ballot, further ballots are held until one candidate receives majority support. This process requires only a simple majority of votes cast, not an absolute majority of all Senedd members.

Once elected by the Senedd, the [presiding officer](/source/Llywydd_of_the_Senedd) formally notifies the [Monarch](/source/British_Monarchy), who then appoints the nominee as first minister .[20] The most recent appointment was [Rhun ap Iorwerth](/source/Rhun_ap_Iorwerth) in May 2026, following Plaid Cymru becoming the largest party in the Senedd at the [2026 election](/source/2026_Senedd_election).

## Powers and responsibilities

The first minister exercises executive authority within the Welsh Government and holds responsibility for the overall strategic direction of the devolved administration.[21] Under the arrangements established by successive Government of Wales Acts, executive functions are conferred on the Senedd and then delegated to the first minister and other Welsh Ministers as appropriate.[6] Since the Government of Wales Act 2006, the first minister has been appointed directly by the Monarch and represents [the Crown](/source/The_Crown) in Wales, marking a significant symbolic shift in the constitutional basis of Welsh governance.[17]

Key responsibilities include oversight of the Welsh Government civil service in partnership with the Permanent Secretary, policy development and coordination across all devolved areas, and the appointment of Welsh Ministers, Deputy Welsh Ministers and the Counsel General for Wales, subject to royal approval.[21][22] Under the Government of Wales Act 2006, the Welsh Government may comprise a maximum of 12 Welsh Ministers (excluding the first minister and Counsel General), limiting the total size to 14 members.[23]

### Legislative competence and devolved areas

Following the [Wales Act 2017](/source/Wales_Act_2017), Wales operates under a 'reserved powers' model where the Senedd can legislate on any matter not specifically reserved to the UK Parliament.[24] The first minister leads the Welsh Government in proposing bills to the Senedd on subjects within devolved competence, which include health, education, economic development, transport, local government, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, environment, housing, social services, culture, sport, tourism and the Welsh language.[22] The first minister oversees the Welsh Government's borrowing powers, which include the ability to borrow up to £1 billion for capital spending with UK Treasury consent.[22]

## Accountability mechanism

The first minister is directly accountable to the Senedd for their actions and those of the Welsh Government. This accountability operates through various parliamentary procedures including questions, debates, and committee scrutiny.[25] The Senedd holds the power to pass a vote of no confidence in the first minister, which would require their resignation, as demonstrated by the events leading to Alun Michael's resignation in 2000.[24]

## Intergovernmental relations

The first minister participates in various intergovernmental structures including the [British-Irish Council](/source/British-Irish_Council), the [Prime Minister and Heads of Devolved Governments Council](/source/Prime_Minister_and_Heads_of_Devolved_Governments_Council), and the [Council of the Nations and Regions](/source/Council_of_the_Nations_and_Regions).[26] The Intergovernmental Relations Review, published in January 2022, established new structures for dialogue between UK and devolved governments, including the Interministerial Standing Committee and Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee.[27]

### Challenges and tensions

Relations between the first minister and UK Government have faced ongoing challenges. The Welsh Government has raised concerns about being treated as a "stakeholder rather than a devolved government partner", with decisions often made by the UK Government with only minimal consultation.[27] The Welsh Government has particularly criticised the UK Government's approach to legislation affecting devolved matters, citing inadequate engagement during the passage of the Energy Act 2023 as an example.[28]

### Secretary of State for Wales relationship

The Secretary of State for Wales serves as the primary link between the UK Government and the Welsh Government, with responsibilities including ensuring the smooth running of the devolution settlement and acting as the liaison between the two administrations.[26] The role has evolved significantly since devolution, with some calling for its abolition or merger with other territorial Secretary of State positions to reflect the changed constitutional landscape.[29]

## Practical operations

### Official locations and working arrangements

The first minister operates from two main official locations. One office is located in [Tŷ Hywel](/source/T%C5%B7_Hywel), which is adjacent to the [Senedd building](/source/Senedd_building) in [Cardiff Bay](/source/Cardiff_Bay) and serves as the principal workspace when engaging with the Welsh Parliament.[3] The other office is at the [Crown Buildings](/source/Crown_Buildings%2C_Cathays_Park) in [Cathays Park](/source/Cathays_Park), [Cardiff](/source/Cardiff), which serves as the headquarters of the Welsh Government and houses the main Welsh Government offices.[30]

Unlike the first minister of Scotland, Wales does not provide an official residence for its first minister. There have been calls for the establishment of such a residence, with suggestions including the use of Cardiff's former [Mansion House](/source/Mansion_House%2C_Cardiff), but no official residence has been designated.[31]

The Welsh Government maintains offices throughout Wales to support the first minister's work across the country, including locations in [Carmarthen](/source/Carmarthen), [Caernarfon](/source/Caernarfon), [Aberystwyth](/source/Aberystwyth), [Llandrindod Wells](/source/Llandrindod_Wells), and other regional centres.[30]

### Parliamentary accountability: First Minister's Questions

The first minister faces regular parliamentary scrutiny through a Welsh equivalent of [Prime Minister's Questions](/source/Prime_Minister's_Questions). [First Minister's Questions](/source/First_Minister's_Questions) takes place weekly in the Senedd, typically on Tuesday afternoons at 13:30, providing up to 45 minutes for Members of the Senedd to question the first minister on matters within the Welsh Government's remit.[32][33]

The format follows established parliamentary conventions: [Members of the Senedd](/source/Members_of_the_Senedd) (MSs) may ask oral questions which are selected by ballot conducted by the Table Office, with any Member except party leaders eligible to enter the ballot.[32] Selected members must table their oral questions at least three working days before the session. Following the minister's initial response, the questioning Member may ask one supplementary question, and other Members may be called to ask related supplementary questions at the [Presiding Officer](/source/Llywydd_of_the_Senedd)'s discretion.[32]

The sessions are broadcast live on Senedd.tv and archived for public access, providing transparency and public accountability.[34] In addition to regular questions, the first minister may face Topical Questions on matters of urgent public significance and Emergency Questions which can be taken without notice if deemed by the Presiding Officer to be of urgent public importance.[32]

### Remuneration and expenses

The first minister receives a salary of £148,575 per annum as of 2022, which includes the standard £67,920 Member of the Senedd salary plus an additional ministerial salary.[1] This arrangement differs from the UK Government, where ministerial salaries have been frozen since 2010, with some ministers declining salary increases and making funds available for public spending.[35]

### Transport and security arrangements

Details regarding security arrangements for the first minister are not disclosed publicly for operational security reasons, consistent with standard practice for government officials. The UK's Protection Command, which provides security for senior government figures, operates under a policy of neither confirming nor denying specific protection arrangements.[36]

The first minister's use of official transport and related expenses are governed by the Ministerial Code, which requires that official transport should not be used for party, private or other non-ministerial business except where justified on security grounds.[37] The code emphasises efficient use of resources, cost consciousness, and public accountability in all transport arrangements.[37]

Official cars are made available to the first minister for any purpose that secures a saving of time, and ministers are permitted to use official cars for home-to-office journeys provided they will be working on Welsh Government business during the journey.[37] Travel expenses for official business are normally borne by the Welsh Government's Cabinet Division.[37]

### Support staff and administration

The first minister is supported by the Welsh Government civil service, which as of March 2018 comprised 5,015 full-time equivalent civil servants working across Wales.[22] The civil service operates under the rules and customs of His Majesty's Civil Service but serves the devolved administration rather than the UK Government.[22]

The Permanent Secretary heads the Welsh Government civil service and works closely with the first minister on policy development, coordination, and oversight of the civil service.[21] This includes responsibility for expectations, oversight and support for the Welsh Government civil service working with the Permanent Secretary.[21]

### Transparency and accountability measures

The Welsh Government operates under a comprehensive publication scheme that makes information routinely available to the public, including details of ministerial activities, expenses, and decision-making processes.[38] This includes publication of board members' expenses, ministerial expenditure over £25,000, and adherence to the ministerial code.[38]

Information about the first minister's official travel costs and expenses is published in line with the ministerial code, typically at the end of each financial year.[39] Members of the Senedd regularly use parliamentary questions to seek details about ministerial travel, meetings, and expenditure, providing ongoing scrutiny of the first minister's activities and use of public resources.[39]

## See also

- [List of first ministers of Wales](/source/List_of_first_ministers_of_Wales)

- [List of current heads of government in the United Kingdom and dependencies](/source/List_of_current_heads_of_government_in_the_United_Kingdom_and_dependencies)

- [Prime Minister of the United Kingdom](/source/Prime_Minister_of_the_United_Kingdom)

- [Deputy First Minister of Wales](/source/Deputy_First_Minister_of_Wales)

- [Welsh Government](/source/Welsh_Government)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto15_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto15_1-1) ["Determination on Members' Pay, Staffing and Business Costs 2026-27"](https://remunerationboard.wales/determination-on-members-pay-staffing-and-business-costs). *Senedd Cymru*. March 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_2-1) ["Government of Wales Act 1998"](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/38/enacted). *[Legislation.gov.uk](/source/Legislation.gov.uk)*. The Assembly shall elect one of the Assembly members to be Assembly First Secretary or Prif Ysgrifennydd y Cynulliad.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto12_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto12_3-1) ["Tŷ Hywel"](https://senedd.wales/visit/our-estate/ty-hywel/). *senedd.wales*. Retrieved 27 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Hale, Adam; Wood, Chris; Deans, David (12 May 2026). ["Wales election 2026: Rhun ap Iorwerth set to become first Plaid Cymru first minister"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c78ew0w095qt). *BBC News*. Retrieved 12 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-exec-devolution_5-0)** ["'Executive' devolution (1998-2007)"](https://law.gov.wales/constitution-and-government/constitution-and-devolution/executive-devolution-1998-2007). Law Wales. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_6-1) ["The Constitution – The First Minister and Welsh Ministers: Quick guide"](https://senedd.wales/media/iqoprscx/qg07-0056-english.pdf) (PDF). Welsh Parliament. April 2007. p. 1. Retrieved 27 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Torrance, David (11 July 2018). ["Twenty years of devolution in Wales, 1998-2018"](https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/twenty-years-of-devolution-in-wales-1998-2018/). House of Commons Library. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-history-senedd_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-history-senedd_8-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-history-senedd_8-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-history-senedd_8-3) ["History of devolution"](https://senedd.wales/how-we-work/history-of-devolution/). Welsh Parliament. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["The Welsh devolution referendum, 1 March 1979"](https://martinjohnes.com/2019/02/26/the-welsh-devolution-referendum-1-march-1979/). Martin Johnes. 26 February 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Mitchell, James (2022). ["Choreography of Defeat: The Fall of the 1979 Government"](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1750-0206.12633). *Parliamentary History*. **41** (2): 285–306. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1111/1750-0206.12633](https://doi.org/10.1111%2F1750-0206.12633).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Jones, Richard Wyn; Lewis, Bethan (1999). ["The Welsh Devolution Referendum"](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1467-9256.00084). *Politics*. **19** (1): 37–46. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1111/1467-9256.00084](https://doi.org/10.1111%2F1467-9256.00084).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Parliamentary career for Alun Michael"](https://members.parliament.uk/member/562/career). UK Parliament. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Thomas, Alys; Laffin, Martin (2001). ["The First Welsh Constitutional Crisis: The Alun Michael Resignation"](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/095207670101600102?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.3). *Public Policy and Administration*. **16** (1): 35–52. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1177/095207670101600102](https://doi.org/10.1177%2F095207670101600102).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["RHODRI MORGAN TO BE WELSH FIRST SECRETARY AS ALUN MICHAEL RESIGNS"](https://www.lgcplus.com/archive/rhodri-morgan-to-be-welsh-first-secretary-as-alun-michael-resigns-10-02-2000/). Local Government Chronicle. 10 February 2000. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Alun Michael"](https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/ministers-reflect/alun-michael). Institute for Government. 15 April 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["The First Welsh Constitutional Crisis: The Alun Michael Resignation"](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/095207670101600102?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.3). Public Policy and Administration. 2001. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:3_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:3_17-1) ["Welsh Government | Law Wales"](https://law.gov.wales/constitution-and-government/law-making-wales/welsh-government). *law.gov.wales*. Retrieved 27 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:1_18-0)** ["Appointing a new First Minister"](https://senedd.wales/senedd-now/news/appointing-a-new-first-minister/). *senedd.wales*. Retrieved 27 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["How is the First Minister of Wales nominated?"](https://senedd.wales/senedd-now/senedd-blog/how-is-the-first-minister-of-wales-nominated/). *senedd.wales*. Retrieved 27 April 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Appointing a new First Minister"](https://web.archive.org/web/20201026073453/https://senedd.wales/en/newhome/Pages/newsitem.aspx?itemid=531). *National Assembly for Wales*. Archived from [the original](http://www.assembly.wales/en/newhome/Pages/newsitem.aspx?itemid=531) on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto3_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto3_21-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-auto3_21-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-auto3_21-3) ["Eluned Morgan MS: First Minister of Wales"](https://www.gov.wales/eluned-morgan-ms). Welsh Government. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto8_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto8_22-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-auto8_22-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-auto8_22-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-auto8_22-4) ["Devolution settlement: Wales"](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/devolution-settlement-wales). GOV.UK. 10 September 2018. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Introduction to powers"](https://law.gov.wales/constitution-and-government/constitution-and-devolution/introduction-powers). Law Wales. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto6_24-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto6_24-1) ["Making laws in Wales: from executive devolution to a reserved powers model"](https://research.senedd.wales/research-articles/making-laws-in-wales-from-executive-devolution-to-a-reserved-powers-model/). Senedd Research. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["First Minister of Wales - Committees"](https://committees.parliament.uk/work/7949/first-minister-of-wales/). UK Parliament. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto1_26-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto1_26-1) ["Devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland"](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/devolution-of-powers-to-scotland-wales-and-northern-ireland). GOV.UK. 8 May 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto9_27-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto9_27-1) ["Inter-Institutional relations agreement between the Senedd and the Welsh Government: report on intergovernmental relations covering the period 2021 to 2023"](https://www.gov.wales/providing-inter-governmental-information-to-the-senedd-report-2021-to-2023-html). Welsh Government. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-auto4_28-0)** ["Chapter 5: devolution boundaries"](https://www.gov.wales/independent-commission-on-the-constitutional-future-of-wales-final-report-chapter-5-html). Welsh Government. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Secretary of State for Wales"](https://www.gov.uk/government/ministers/secretary-of-state-for-wales). GOV.UK. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto17_30-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto17_30-1) ["Welsh Government offices"](https://www.gov.wales/welsh-government-offices). Welsh Government. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["Cardiff's Mansion House is 'ideal home for first minister'"](https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/19475631.cardiffs-mansion-house-ideal-home-first-minister/). *South Wales Argus*. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto13_32-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto13_32-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-auto13_32-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-auto13_32-3) ["Questions"](https://senedd.wales/senedd-business/plenary/types-of-plenary-business/questions/). Welsh Parliament. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Questions to the First Minister"](https://business.senedd.wales/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=37128). Senedd. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Senedd.tv - Home"](https://www.senedd.tv/). Welsh Parliament. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["Salaries of members of His Majesty's Government: April 2022"](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministerial-salary-data/salaries-of-members-of-his-majestys-government-april-2022-html). GOV.UK. 15 December 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["Security or number of police officers protecting working members of the Royal Family"](https://www.met.police.uk/foi-ai/metropolitan-police/disclosure-2023/march-2023/security-number-police-officers-protecting-working-members-royal-family/). Metropolitan Police. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto16_37-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto16_37-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-auto16_37-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-auto16_37-3) ["Ministerial code"](https://www.gov.wales/ministerial-code-html). Welsh Government. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto11_38-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto11_38-1) ["Welsh Government publication scheme"](https://www.gov.wales/welsh-government-publication-scheme). Welsh Government. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto14_39-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto14_39-1) ["Written Questions tabled on 21/03/2023 for answer on 28/03/2023"](https://record.senedd.wales/OrderPaper/WrittenQuestions/28-03-2023/). Welsh Parliament. Retrieved 1 January 2025.

## Sources

- Dates are from various BBC News Online articles from 1999 to 2003.

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [First Ministers of Wales](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:First_Ministers_of_Wales).

- [Roles and responsibilities](https://senedd.wales/en/memhome/mem-role-response/Pages/mem-role-response.aspx) – [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200604015315/https://senedd.wales/en/memhome/mem-role-response/Pages/mem-role-response.aspx) 4 June 2020 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Welsh Government: Cabinet and ministers](https://gov.wales/cabinet-members-and-ministers)

v t e First ministers of Wales Alun Michael Rhodri Morgan Carwyn Jones Mark Drakeford Vaughan Gething Eluned Morgan Rhun ap Iorwerth

v t e Welsh devolution Devolution in the United Kingdom Referendums 1979 1997 Act 2011 Devolved bodies Senedd Welsh Government list First Minister list Commissions UK Parliament commissions Kilbrandon Commission Silk Commission McKay Commission Senedd commissions Richard Commission Holtham Commission Thomas Commission Devolution legislation Wales Act 1978 (not applied) 1998 2006 2014 2017 St David's Day Agreement Devolved matters acts measures statutory instruments Welsh law Legislative consent motion Legislative Competence Order (former) Committees Welsh Affairs Select Committee Welsh Grand Committee Interministerial Standing Committee UK Government departments Devolution Secretariat (Cabinet Office) Devolution Directorate-General (Ministry of Justice) Wales Office Welsh Office (former) Budget Barnett formula Block grant Taxation Constitution of the United Kingdom Proposed More powers Devo-max Justice system History History 1978 Proposed Welsh Assembly Cymru Fydd Parliament for Wales Campaign Yes for Wales Opinion polling Senedd expansion Powers and status Opposition Proposed alternatives Federalism Confederalism Independence Abolition Parties represented in Wales Plaid Cymru Reform UK Welsh Labour Welsh Conservatives Wales Green Party Welsh Liberal Democrats Politics United Kingdom Wales

v t e List of current heads of government in the United Kingdom His Majesty's Government Majority Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Labour) Northern Ireland Executive Power-sharing DUP / Sinn Féin / SDLP / UUP / APNI First Minister Michelle O'Neill (Sinn Féin) Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (DUP) Scottish Government Minority Scottish National Party First Minister John Swinney (SNP) Welsh Government Minority Plaid Cymru First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth (Plaid Cymru) Heads of governments of British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies

v t e Welsh Government Llywodraeth Cymru · Welsh devolution · Politics of Wales · ap Iorwerth government Organisation Cabinet Chief Medical Officer for Wales List of governments current Permanent Secretary Sponsored bodies Traffic officers Ministerial positions Cabinet ministers Culture and Sport Education and Welsh Language Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Finance Government Effectiveness and Constitution Health and Care Local Government, Housing and Planning Rural Resilience and Sustainability Social Justice and Equality Deputy ministers Skills and Tertiary Education Social Care, Mental Health and Women's Health Transport Chief Whip Counsel General First Minister Trefnydd Former ministerial positions Climate Change Housing North Wales Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes All Wales Convention Arfor Roads Review Ynni Cymru Sponsored bodies and other related bodies Executive bodies, agencies and non-ministerial departments Amgueddfa Cymru Arts Council of Wales Cadw Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru Disused Tips Authority for Wales Higher Education Funding Council Wales Llais Medr National Institute for Learning Welsh National Library of Wales National Procurement Service Natural Resources Wales Planning and Environment Decisions Wales Qualifications Wales Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales Social Care Wales Sport Wales Welsh Revenue Authority State-owned bodies Adnodd Cyfyngedig Careers Wales Cwmni Egino Design Commission for Wales Development Bank of Wales Dysgu Global Centre of Rail Excellence Industry Wales Life Sciences Hub Wales Meat Promotion Wales Student Loans Company (5%) Transport for Wales Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru Tribunals Adjudication Panel for Wales Agricultural Land Tribunal for Wales Education Tribunal for Wales Mental Health Review Tribunal for Wales Residential Property Tribunal Wales Valuation Tribunal for Wales Welsh Language Tribunal Welsh Tribunals Officers and statutory offices Audit Wales Auditor General for Wales Children's Commissioner for Wales Estyn Future Generations Commissioner for Wales Older People's Commissioner for Wales Public Service Ombudsman for Wales Welsh Language Commissioner Other bodies Cardiff International Airport Care Inspectorate Wales Education Workforce Council Healthcare Inspectorate Wales NHS Wales boards NHS trusts Digital Health and Care Wales Health Education and Improvement Wales NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee NHS Wales Performance and Improvement NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership Public Health Wales National park authorities Advisory bodies Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales British–Irish Council Climate Change Committee Fair Work Commission Health and Care Research Wales Partnership Council for Wales Former bodies ELWa Health Commission Wales Informing Healthcare Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales Wales Tourist Board Welsh Development Agency Welsh Language Board

v t e Wales articles List of topics History Timeline Bibliography Prehistory Roman Era Anglo-Welsh Wars Early Middle Ages Kingdom of Gwynedd Kingdom of Powys Deheubarth Medieval Welsh law Norman invasion Edwardian conquest Late Middle Ages Statute of Rhuddlan Glyndŵr rebellion Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542 Colonies Geography Biodiversity Fauna Flora Climate Geology Islands Lakes Mountains and hills Protected areas National parks AONBs Rivers Wales–England border Waterfalls Politics Government Politics Devolution Elections First Minister Government Local government History Cities Mayors Local rulers Nationalism Political parties Republicanism Secretary of State Senedd Unionism Wales Office Law Counsel General Courts Modern Welsh law Police forces British Armed Forces Economy Agriculture Banking and finance Coal mining Companies Forestry Housing and construction Power stations Slate quarrying Tourism Transport Society Culture Art Castles Cuisine Bara brith Cawl Laverbread (Bara Lafwr) Crempog Gower cuisine Glamorgan sausage (Selsig Morgannwg) Leek soup Tatws Pum Munud Welsh breakfast Welsh cake Welsh rarebit Education Eisteddfod Festivals Calennig Dydd Santes Dwynwen Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau Saint David's Day Calan Mai Calan Awst Calan Gaeaf Gŵyl Mabsant Eisteddfod Folklore Gorsedd Cymru Literature in Welsh / in English Media Music Museums Mythology Scheduled monuments Sports Bando Boxing Cnapan Cricket Football Golf Horse racing Welsh baseball Welsh handball Rugby league Rugby union Theatre Demographics Languages Languages Welsh Welsh English British Sign Language People (list) Actors Architects Artists Women Inventors Musicians Poets Royalty Scientists Women Writers in Welsh Women Welsh Diaspora Welsh Americans Welsh Argentines (Y Wladfa) Welsh Canadians Welsh Chileans Welsh Australians Welsh New Zealanders Health Healthcare Healthcare service Boards Religion Christianity Anglicanism Catholicism Mormonism Presbyterianism Non-Christian belief systems Bahá'ís Buddhism Hinduism Islam Judaism Druidry Sikhism History Saint David Welsh Methodist revival 1904–1905 Welsh revival Welsh Church Act 1914 Symbols Anthem Flags national flag Prince of Wales's feathers Royal Badge Welsh Dragon Wales portal

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [First Minister of Wales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Minister_of_Wales) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Minister_of_Wales?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.