Welsh Government

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The Welsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru) is the devolved government for Wales. It was established in 1999 following a referendum in 1997, which approved the creation of a National Assembly for Wales. The Welsh Government is responsible for a range of devolved matters including health, education, and local government.

Structure

The Welsh Government is headed by the First Minister of Wales, who is appointed by the Monarch of the United Kingdom on the nomination of the Senedd. The First Minister leads the Welsh Cabinet, which consists of ministers and deputy ministers. The Counsel General for Wales is also a member of the Welsh Government.

First Minister

The First Minister of Wales is the leader of the Welsh Government and is responsible for the overall direction and administration of the government. The First Minister is supported by a team of ministers who are responsible for specific policy areas.

Welsh Cabinet

The Welsh Cabinet is composed of the First Minister, ministers, and deputy ministers. Each minister is responsible for specific portfolios such as health, education, and the economy. The Cabinet meets regularly to discuss and make decisions on government policy.

Counsel General

The Counsel General for Wales is the chief legal advisor to the Welsh Government and represents the government in legal proceedings. The Counsel General is appointed by the First Minister with the approval of the Senedd.

Responsibilities

The Welsh Government has responsibility for a range of devolved matters, including:

• Health
• Education
• Local Government
• Transport
• Environment
• Agriculture
• Economic Development
• Culture

History

The Welsh Government was established in 1999 following the Government of Wales Act 1998. Initially, it was known as the National Assembly for Wales, which had both legislative and executive functions. The Government of Wales Act 2006 separated the legislative and executive functions, creating the Welsh Government as the executive branch and the Senedd as the legislative branch.

Location

The Welsh Government is headquartered in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The main offices are located in Cathays Park, with additional offices in other parts of Wales.

See also

• Senedd
• Devolution in the United Kingdom
• Politics of Wales
• First Minister of Wales
• Counsel General for Wales