Carwyn Jones, First Minister
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
On November 23rd 2017, I announced that the Ministerial Code was to be revised, in order to provide for allegations that the Code has been breached to be referred to an independent adviser as a source of external and independent advice to me.
The Code does not prescribe the scope, format or conduct of any inquiry the Adviser may be asked to undertake. It is for the Adviser to determine how to act upon matters referred by the First Minister.
I agreed with James Hamilton, a current Independent Adviser to the Scottish Government, that he would accept a referral from me in relation to allegations that I breached the Ministerial Code.
On December 5th, I wrote to Mr Hamilton to ask for his advice on the allegation that I breached the Ministerial Code in relation to answers I gave to the National Assembly on November 11th 2014 and November 14th 2017.
Mr Hamilton has now completed his inquiry, and provided his advice to me in the form of a report. I am today laying the full report before the National Assembly without redaction (external link).