First Minister of Wales
leader of the Welsh Government
The First Minister of Wales (Welsh: Prif Weinidog Cymru) is the leader of the Welsh Government. Wales' government is devolved, meaning it can make decisions on certain laws in Wales (any other laws are decided by the UK Government in Westminster). It was established in 1999.
| First Minister of Wales Prif Weinidog Cymru | |
|---|---|
| Style | The Right Honourable |
| Appointer | Charles III of the United Kingdom |
| Term length | While commanding the confidence of the National Assembly for Wales |
| Inaugural holder | Alun Edward Michael |
| Formation | 12 May 1999 |
| Website | Website |
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The First Minister has several responsibilities:
- Managing the Cabinet of the Welsh Government
- Creating and co-ordinating government policy
- Wales' relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom, and other countries
- Staffing at the Welsh Government
The office of the First Minister is in Tŷ Hywel, and at the Senedd building in Cardiff. An office is also kept at the Crown Buildings, Cathays Park, Cardiff. The current First Minister, since 2024, is Eluned Morgan. The longest-serving First Minister was Rhodri Morgan.
List of First Secretaries and First Ministers
changeFirst Secretaries
change- Alun Michael (12 May 1999–9 February 2000)
- Rhodri Morgan (9 February 2000–16 October 2000)
First Ministers
change- Rhodri Morgan (16 October 2000–10 December 2009)
- Carwyn Jones (10 December 2009 - 12 December 2018)
- Mark Drakeford (13 December 2018 - 20 March 2024)
- Vaughan Gething (20 March 2024 - 6 August 2024)
- Eluned Morgan (since 6 August 2024)