First Minister of Wales

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 first minister maintains offices at the Crown Buildings, in Cathays Park, Cardiff, which serves as Welsh Government headquarters and in Tŷ Hywel, adjacent to the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay. and. The incumbent first minister is Rhun ap Iorwerth, who has served since 12 May 2026.