Section 1: Designing devolution

Introduction

So how did an Assembly which was only just voted into existence gain enough power to call itself a Parliament and set taxes in less than 21 years? The answer is a series of reviews, reform and legislation – none of it easy. The purpose of this section is to set out that process in largely chronological order. Before doing that, it will be helpful to briefly consider the political parties which dominate politics in Wales and their positions on devolution.