Who is governing Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland has not had an Executive for over a year. The First Minister resigned on 3 February 2022, leaving Departments with caretaker ministers but no Executive. On 28 October, these caretaker ministers ceased to be in post. This Briefing looks at who is now taking decisions in Northern Ireland, and considers the implications for government and local public services.

Since 28 October, decision–making in Northern Ireland has fallen to either the Secretary of State or to civil servants who possess fewer powers than the caretaker ministers. This is similar to the three year period between 2017 and 2020, but in a much more challenging context.

This Briefing looks at who can make decisions at present and explores what decisions have been made in recent months. It concludes with some suggestions on ways to proceed.