Ministers Reflect
Interviews with former ministers on the realities of the role and how to be effective in government.
There is much to learn from former ministers
The IfG's Ministers Reflect archive offers a rare insight into government.
Ministers Reflect in universities
More and more academics are using our Ministers Reflect interviews in their work.
Ministers Reflect: What is it really like leading a government department?
This one-day conference discussed what we can learn from the IfG's Ministers Reflect interviews and how ministers can approach the job.
Explore all interviews
Kenny MacAskill
Kenny MacAskill reflects on deciding to release Abdelbaset al-Megrahi from prison, merging the Scottish police forces and preparing for the referendum
Shona Robison
Shona Robison reflects on transforming the health and care system, getting government out of its silos and delivering the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Ieuan Wyn Jones
Ieuan Wyn Jones reflects on leading Plaid Cymru into government for the first time.
Andy Kerr
Andy Kerr reflects on making tricky spending decisions, trying to reform a “dysfunctional” health system and implementing the smoking ban.
Alex Neil
Alex Neil reflects on civil service advice, preparing to take on social security powers and attempts to modernise the health system.
Alun Michael
Alun Michael reflects on the first year of devolution to Wales, the importance of joining up policies at the local level and his time in government.
Andrew Davies
Andrew Davies was interviewed on 13 September 2018 for the Institute for Government’s Ministers Reflect project.
Jane Hutt
Jane Hutt talks about taking responsibility for crises as Health Minister and striking deals with opposition parties as Chief Whip.
Lord German
Lord German reflects on leading the Liberal Democrats into coalition and making the best use of the limited powers of the Welsh Government.
Lord McConnell
Lord McConnell reflects on managing the first budget of the Scottish Government, becoming First Minister and promoting an outward-looking Scotland.