Minority Government in Wales: Lessons for the Future?

Minority situations have been a consistent theme at each of the seven Senedd elections since the introduction of devolution in Wales in 1999. These situations look set to continue following the introduction of a new, more proportional electoral system at the most recent election in May 2026. Such electoral outcomes have led to Wales experiencing different types of government, including majority coalitions, formal minority and substantive minority governments. This article explores the recent experience of the Welsh Labour‐led minority government in Wales between 2011 and 2026, focussing on the distinction between formal and substantive minority arrangements by analysing the agreements reached to pass the annual Welsh Budget. The article concludes by considering the lessons that can be drawn from Welsh Labour's experience to inform future minority governments.