First Rhodri Morgan government
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
First Morgan government | |
|---|---|
 3rd devolved administration of Wales | |
| 2000–2003 | |
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| Date formed | 16 October 2000 |
| Date dissolved | 1 May 2003 |
| People and organisations | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| First Minister | Rhodri Morgan |
| Deputy First Minister | Michael German (2000-2001), (2002-2003) Acting Deputy First Minister: Jenny Randerson (2002-2003) |
| Member parties | |
| Status in legislature | Majority (coalition) |
| Opposition party | |
| Opposition leader | Ieuan Wyn Jones |
| History | |
| Outgoing election | 2003 general election |
| Legislature term | 1st National Assembly for Wales |
| Predecessor | Interim Rhodri Morgan administration |
| Successor | Second Rhodri Morgan government |
The first Rhodri Morgan government was a government of Wales formed on 16 October 2000[1] by Rhodri Morgan and was a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats, it was officially referred to as the 'Coalition Partnership' . It was preceded by the Interim Morgan administration, a Labour minority administration headed by Rhodri Morgan between February and October 2000.
This was the first devolved government of Wales to use the term "Welsh Assembly Government" rather than "Assembly Administration" to describe itself.[2] It was also the first to use the term "minister" rather than "secretary" when referring to members of the government; the position of First Secretary was retitled First Minister while the title of Assembly Secretary (or simply Secretary) was replaced with Minister.[3]
Rhodri Morgan became First Secretary of Wales on 15 February 2000,[4] between February and October 2000 and headed up a minority government with 28 of the Assembly's 60 seats. The unstable nature of the then minority government was of concern and was always viewed as temporary and Labour had mooted looking for a coalition partner following their persevered poor showing in the 1999 election.[5]
Developments quickly occurred during the autumn of 2000 culminating in Tom Middlehurst resigning as Secretary for post-16 education on 9 October claiming he could not “contemplate sitting down at the Cabinet table with the Liberal Democrats”.[6]
The six Liberal Democrat seats was an attractive offer to Labour and following a special conference by both parties a coalition was agreed upon.
A new coalition government (officially referred to as the Coalition Partnership) was officially announced on 5 October 2000 with policy details emerging the day later. Cabinet Ministers were then appointed on 16 October and Deputies on 17 October. That government lasted until the 2003 election.
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