In the latest move marking the divergence of Welsh from English law, a judge has been appointed president of Welsh tribunals - the first senior judicial role relating solely to Wales. 

Sir Wyn Williams, currently senior presiding judge, will be the first to hold the position, which was created by the Wales Act 2017, HM Courts and Tribunals Judiciary announced yesterday. 

The president of Welsh Tribunals will provide judicial leadership to support the independence and effectiveness of the Welsh tribunals.

Sir Wyn Williams was born and raised in Ferndale in the Rhondda. He was called to the bar in 1974 and was appointed QC in 1992. He was appointed a High Court Judge in 2007.

Between January 2012 and December 2015 he was a presiding judge for Wales becoming the Senior Presiding Judge in January 2014.

Sir Wyn Williams said: ’These tribunals have an important role in the Welsh legal landscape and I look forward to playing a part in ensuring that they provide access to justice in a modern and efficient manner.’