[2] The appointment, role and powers of the chief executive are set out in the Constitution of the Falkland Islands.

Following the Falklands War in 1982, Lord Shackleton published a report on the Government of the Falkland Islands which recommended many modernisations, including the creation of the office of the chief executive to which many powers of the governor were delegated.

[6] In 2009 a new constitution was established which further defined the role and powers of the chief executive.

This includes the generation and analysis of strategy and policy options for the consideration of the Legislative Assembly.

[9] The chief executive is an ex officio member of the Legislative Assembly, the executive council and the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, and also acts as Stanley's returning officer during general elections.