Welsh Governance: From the Welsh Office to the Senedd
The political landscape of Wales has undergone a profound transformation over the last several decades, moving from centralized administration in London to a devolved system of self-governance. This journey is marked by a shift from executive departments to a fully realized parliament, reflecting a growing demand for local democratic accountability.
The Era of the Welsh Office
Before the onset of devolution in 1999, the executive functions for Wales were managed by the Welsh Office. Established in April 1965, this UK government department was responsible for executing government policy within Wales. It was led by the Secretary of State for Wales, a position created in October 1964.
Despite its administrative role, the office faced criticism over a "democratic deficit." Because the Secretary of State was appointed rather than elected by the Welsh people, the post lacked a direct Welsh electoral mandate. Notably, for eleven years leading up to 1997, the Secretary of State representing Wales in the UK Cabinet did not even represent a Welsh constituency at Westminster. These tensions fueled the movement for political devolution, eventually leading to the disbandment of the Welsh Office on July 1, 1999.
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The Rise of the National Assembly (1999–2007)
Following a 1997 referendum, the Government of Wales Act 1998 created the National Assembly for Wales. In its earliest form, the Assembly operated as a body corporate. Unlike the Scottish system, the Welsh Government initially had no independent executive powers in law; instead, the executive functioned as a committee of the Assembly, exercising only those powers the Assembly voted to delegate.
To better distinguish between legislative and executive functions, First Minister Rhodri Morgan introduced the brand "Welsh Assembly Government" on November 27, 2001. However, a formal legal separation was not achieved until the Government of Wales Act 2006.
Legal Separation and Executive Authority
The 2006 Act fundamentally restructured Welsh governance by formally separating the National Assembly for Wales (the legislature) from the Welsh Government (the executive). This change took effect following the May 2007 elections.
Defining the New Roles
- The Welsh Government: Responsible for making decisions, developing and implementing policy, exercising executive functions, and creating statutory instruments (secondary legislation).
- The National Assembly: Comprising 60 members, its role shifted to scrutinizing government decisions, holding ministers accountable, approving budgets, and enacting assembly measures.
This separation mirrored the relationship between the UK Parliament and the British Government, as well as the Scottish model. Additionally, the 2006 Act established the National Assembly for Wales Commission (now the Senedd Commission) to manage staff, property, and support services.
Evolution of Ministerial Powers
Under the current framework, the First Minister is nominated by the Senedd and appointed by the Monarch. The First Minister then appoints Welsh and deputy ministers. A key legal role, the Counsel General for Wales, serves as the principal legal advisor to the Welsh Government. The Counsel General is appointed by the Monarch on the First Minister's nomination and requires Senedd approval.
The capacity of the executive has grown over time. While the 2006 Act originally capped the number of Welsh ministers at 12 (excluding the First Minister and Counsel General), the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024 increased this limit to 17.
Expanding Legislative Competence
The scope of Welsh law-making has expanded through a series of referendums and legislative acts:
- 2011 Referendum: A "yes" vote allowed the Welsh Government to propose bills in 20 specific policy fields, granting the power to create primary legislation in those areas.
- Wales Act 2014: Formally renamed the "Welsh Assembly Government" to the Welsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru).
- Wales Act 2017: Introduced a reserved powers model, where all areas of law are devolved unless they are explicitly reserved to the UK Parliament. It also granted the Assembly control over its own name, size, and electoral system.
In 2020, the Assembly officially changed its name to Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament). Further reforms in 2024 increased the size of the Senedd to 96 members.
Governance Summary
| Period/Act | Governing Body | Key Characteristic | Executive Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-1999 | Welsh Office | UK Government Department | Secretary of State for Wales |
| 1998 Act | National Assembly for Wales | Body Corporate | Committee of the Assembly |
| 2006 Act | Assembly & Welsh Government | Formal Legal Separation | Independent Executive Authority |
| 2017 Act / 2020 | Senedd Cymru | Reserved Powers Model | Expanded Ministerial Functions |
Key Facts
- The Welsh Office was established in 1965 and disbanded in 1999.
- The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) grew to 96 members following the 2024 Act.
- The reserved powers model means the Senedd can legislate on anything not specifically reserved for the UK Parliament.
- The Counsel General is the primary legal advisor to the Welsh Government.
- The 2011 referendum expanded law-making powers across 20 policy fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the "democratic deficit" associated with the Welsh Office?
The democratic deficit referred to the fact that the Secretary of State for Wales, who held executive power over Wales, was appointed by the UK government and lacked a direct electoral mandate from the Welsh people.
How does the Senedd differ from the Welsh Government?
The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) is the legislative body that scrutinizes policy, approves budgets, and passes laws. The Welsh Government is the executive body, led by the First Minister, which develops and implements those policies.
What is the reserved powers model?
Established by the Wales Act 2017, this model explicitly lists areas of law that are reserved to the UK Parliament. Any area not listed as reserved is devolved to the Senedd's competence.
Who appoints the First Minister of Wales?
The First Minister is nominated by the Senedd and then formally appointed by the Monarch.
How many ministers can the Welsh Government have?
Following the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Act 2024, the maximum number of Welsh ministers is 17, excluding the First Minister and the Counsel General.