Cabinet manuals and The Ministerial Code

Background to the Inquiry

The Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee conducted a short inquiry into Cabinet Manuals and the Ministerial Code.

The Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee took evidence on 23 May 2024 from Welsh Government Officials on these matters. Following the evidence session, the Welsh Government’s Director of Propriety and Ethics wrote to the Committee to address a number of issues which were raised during the session.

The Permanent Secretary subsequently wrote to the Committee on 26 June 2024 with further information about the Ministerial Code and the responsibilities of civil servants in relation to it.

The Committee ran a consultation between 2 July and 30 August 2024 and received 4 responses which can be found here.

The Permanent Secretary gave evidence to the Committee on 2 October 2024. Following the meeting, the Committee wrote to David Richards OBE, Director of Governance and Ethics at Welsh Government. David Richards responded to the Committee on 28 October 2024.

The Chair wrote to Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales on 26 November 2024 setting out the Committee’s views on changes to the Ministerial Code. The First Minister of Wales responded on 17 December 2024.

The Chair wrote to Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister of Wales on 4 December 2024. The First Minister of Wales responded on 24 January 2025; Committee members considered the response at its meeting on 6 February 2025.