Bigger, gender-balanced Senedd agreement a ‘boost for democracy’

“Some of Plaid Cymru’s key manifesto commitments will now be met.”

Plaid Cymru has warmly welcomed an agreement between its Leader and the First Minister as a path to ‘a bigger Senedd making a bigger difference for the people of Wales’.

Senedd reform is a key commitment in the Co-operation Agreement between Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Government.

In a joint letter to a committee, Adam Price MS and Mark Drakeford MS state that they have agreed on a package of reforms.

Their plan would mean changes come into effect by the next elections in 2026, with the number of Senedd Members increasing to 96.

They will be elected through a PR-only system - making Wales the first country in Britain to abolish the First Past the Post system at a parliamentary level.

Responding to the joint letter, Rhys ab Owen MS from Plaid Cymru said:

“This agreement is historic. Not only does it pave the way for a stronger Senedd with a greater ability to make a difference to the lives of people across our country, it will also boost our democracy - making it fairer and more representative.

“Some of Plaid Cymru’s key manifesto commitments will now be met.  We will have a stronger Senedd with 96 members elected through a proportional electoral voting system - gender-balanced in law by the next election in 2026.

“It’s not about more politicians. It’s about super-powering our parliament – making it fit to represent our people and reflective of all the voices and aspirations of Welsh society.”