First Minister of Wales
| First Minister of Wales | |
|---|---|
| Prif Weinidog Cymru (Welsh) | |
Logo | |
Incumbent since 6 August 2024Eluned Morgan | |
| Welsh Government Welsh Cabinet Senedd | |
| Style | First Minister (informal) The Right Honourable (UK and Commonwealth) Her Excellency (international) |
| Status | Head of Government |
| Abbreviation | FM |
| Member of |
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| Reports to | Senedd |
| Seat | Crown Buildings, Cathays Park, Cardiff |
| Nominator | Senedd |
| Appointer | The Monarch |
| Term length | Five years |
| Formation | 12 May 1999 |
| First holder | Alun Michael AM |
| Salary | £148,575 per annum (2022)[1] (including £67,920 MS salary) |
| Website | www |
| This article is part of a series within the Politics of the United Kingdom on the |
| Politics of Wales |
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The first minister of Wales (Welsh: prif weinidog Cymru) is the head of the Welsh Government and keeper of the Welsh Seal. Established in 1999 as a result of Welsh devolution and initially as the assembly first secretary, 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, 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 who is nominated by the Senedd (Welsh Parliament; Welsh: Senedd Cymru) before being officially appointed by the Monarch. 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, whilst working within the broader constitutional framework of the United Kingdom.
The main office of the first minister is in Tŷ Hywel, adjacent to the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay,[2] with an additional office at the Crown Buildings, in Cathays Park, Cardiff, which serves as Welsh Government headquarters. The incumbent first minister is the Baroness Morgan of Ely, who has served since August 2024.[3][4][5]
- ^ "Determination on Members' Pay and Allowances: 2022-2023" (PDF). Senedd Cymru. 9 April 2022. Retrieved 10 December 2022.
- ^ "Tŷ Hywel". senedd.wales. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
- ^ "Eluned Morgan set to be Wales' new first minister". 24 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
- ^ "Eluned Morgan confirmed as First Minister in Senedd vote". BBC News. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
- ^ Browne, Adrian (6 August 2024). "Eluned Morgan confirmed as First Minister of Wales". BBC News. Retrieved 12 November 2024.