A Plaid Cymru MS disputed the role's existence, while some argue for a directly elected mayor instead.

[9] On 19 July 2011, the opposition Welsh Conservatives, gave specific responsibilities to a shadow minister over "North Wales".

[11] In 2017, a Chief Regional Officer role for North Wales was established by the Welsh Government.

[2] In his campaign to become leader of Welsh Labour, for the 2018 Welsh Labour leadership election, Mark Drakeford announced that if he were to win the leadership contest, he would set up a ministerial post dedicated to the interests of North Wales.

[1][12] Drakeford repeated the plans he had for a North Wales post, for his first cabinet, after winning the leadership contest.