Role
Under the arrangements in the Government of Wales Act 1998, executive functions are conferred on the National Assembly for Wales and then separately delegated to the First Minister and to other Cabinet Ministers and staff as appropriate.
Until the Government of Wales Act 2006, these were delegated powers of the UK government. Since that Act came into force in May 2007, however, the First Minister is appointed by the monarch and represents the Crown in Wales. Whilst this has little practical difference, it was a huge symbolic shift as for the first time in centuries the head of government in Wales is appointed by the Crown on the advice of the elected representatives of the Welsh people.
The First Minister appoints the Welsh Ministers, Deputy Welsh Ministers and the Counsel General for Wales (collectively known as the Welsh Government), with the approval of Her Majesty.
Following separation between the legislative and the executive on the enactment of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (upon appointment of the First Minister, 25 May 2007), the Welsh Ministers exercise functions in their own right. Any further transfers of executive functions from the UK Government will be made directly to the Welsh Ministers (with their consent) by an Order in Council approved by Parliament.
The First Minister is accountable and responsible for:
- Exercise of functions by the Cabinet of the Welsh Government.
- Policy development and coordination of policy.
- The relationships with the rest of the United Kingdom, Europe and Wales Abroad.
- Staffing/Civil Service
Read more about this topic: First Minister Of Wales
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