What can new ministers in Scotland and Wales learn from their predecessors?: Ministers reflect on devolution

The May 2026 elections to the Scottish parliament and Welsh Senedd were the seventh since devolution was established in 1999. Both were consequential. 

In Wales, Labour lost power for the first time, with Rhun ap Iorwerth’s Plaid Cymru becoming the largest party and leading a minority government. In Scotland, John Swinney’s Scottish National Party retained its place as leaders, though still without an absolute majority. This means that for the first time both nations are led by nationalist parties. Over a quarter of a century on, devolution is now entering its next chapter. 

This paper draws on our Ministers Reflect series to share insights for how those new ministers in Edinburgh and Cardiff can make the most of their time in office, in four key areas:
 

• Collaborating with other parties: Former ministers agreed that cross-party collaboration has been essential for effective government in Scotland and Wales in the past. They offer lessons for new ministers on how to make a success of various government formations, including minority governance and coalition.
   
• Getting the most out of the civil service: Former ministers offered advice on how to work with the civil service to get things done in government and build effective relationships with officials as a new minister.
   
• Developing policy that aligns with the needs of devolved nations: Former ministers offer insight for new ministers in Scotland and Wales about managing the trade-off between developing policies that suit local circumstances, while recognising the need to co-ordinate with the UK government.
   
• Working with Whitehall: The reflections of former office holders can provide useful context for new ministers in Scotland and Wales about the state of intergovernmental relations as they enter office, and lessons on how to work constructively with their UK government counterparts.