Mick Antoniw appointed Counsel General for Wales

Her Majesty the Queen has approved the appointment of Mick Antoniw AM as the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser.

This follows the recommendation from the First Minister Carwyn Jones and approval from the National Assembly of Wales on Tuesday 21 June.

The Counsel General’s role involves providing legal advice to the Welsh Government and representing it in legal proceedings.

Other responsibilities include:

• responding  to proposals or consultations that affect legal matters in Wales
• advising on the development of Welsh Government policy on legal matters
• bringing, defending or appearing in legal proceedings
• referring a provision of an Assembly Bill, including a Welsh Government Bill, to the Supreme Court

The First Minister said:

“As the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser, the Counsel General works to uphold the rule of law in Wales.

“I am delighted to welcome Mick to my Government team. This is a critically important position, especially as we embark upon a new five year term with a steadily increasing body of Welsh law underpinning our ambition to deliver on our commitments for the people of Wales.”

Speaking about his appointment, Mick Antoniw AM said: “It is a privilege to be appointed Counsel General for Wales during this exciting time of change.

“This is a critical period in Welsh history as we continue on our journey of devolution and strive to secure a Wales Bill which provides us with the tools we need to deliver for the people of Wales.

“There is much important work to do in a tight timescale and I am very much looking forward to getting started in my new role.”