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{{Short description|Representative in the Senedd, the devolved parliament of Wales}}
{{Short description|Representative in the devolved parliament of Wales}}
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{{For|current members of the Senedd|Members of the 6th Senedd}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2017}}
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{{For|current Members of the Senedd|Members of the 6th Senedd}}
{{Infobox official post
| post = Member
| body = [[Senedd]]
| native_name = {{lang-cy|Aelodau o'r Senedd}}
| insignia =
| insigniasize =
| insigniacaption =
| insigniaalt =
| flag =
| flagsize =
| flagalt =
| flagborder =
| flagcaption =
| image = [[File:Senedd_2021.svg|200px]]
| imagesize =
| alt =
| imagecaption =
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| incumbent = [[Members of the 6th Senedd|List of current members]]
| acting =
| incumbentsince = [[2021 Senedd election|2021 election]]
| department =
| style =
| type = [[Member of Parliament]]
| status =
| abbreviation = [[English language|English]]: MS ([[plural]]:MSs),<br>({{lang-cy|AS}}; plural:{{lang-cy|ASau|label=none}})
| member_of = the [[Senedd]]
| residence = [[Senedd building]]
| seat = [[Senedd constituencies and electoral regions|List of constituencies and electoral regions]]
| nominator =
| appointer =
| appointer_qualified =
| termlength = 5 years
| constituting_instrument = [[Government of Wales Act 1998]]
| precursor =
| inaugural = [[Members of the 1st National Assembly for Wales|1st National Assembly]]
| formation = 1999
| founder =
| named_for =
| first =
| last =
| abolished =
| succession =
| unofficial_names = Member of the Welsh Parliament;<br> Welsh Parliament Member;<br>Assembly Member (AM; 1999{{em dash}}2020)
| deputy =
| salary = [[Pound sterling|£]] 67,649
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
{{Politics of Wales}}
{{Politics of Wales}}
[[File:Senedd 2021.svg|thumb|Diagram showing the current party affiliation of the 60 members of the Senedd as of September 2023. Colours below, left to right:{{legend|#005B54|[[Plaid Cymru]]: 12 seats}}{{legend|#DCDCDC|[[Independent politician|Independent]]: 1 seat}}{{legend|#FDBB30|[[Welsh Liberal Democrats|Liberal Democrat]]: 1 seat}}{{legend|#E4003B|[[Welsh Labour|Labour]]: 30 seats}}{{legend|#0087DC|[[Welsh Conservatives|Conservative]]: 16 seats}}]]
A '''Member of the Senedd''' ('''MS'''; [[plural]]: ''MSs''; {{lang-cy|Aelodau o'r Senedd}}; {{Lang-cy|AS|label=none}}, plural:{{lang|cy|ASau}}){{efn-la|Alternatively referred to in English-language media, using the official English name, the Welsh Parliament, as '''Members of the Welsh Parliament''' or '''Welsh Parliament Members''', however, members are officially known as Members of the Senedd (MS), or in {{lang-cy|Aelodau o'r Senedd}} (AS).|group=la}} is a representative elected to the [[Senedd]] (Welsh Parliament; {{Lang-cy|Senedd Cymru}}). There are sixty members, with forty members chosen to represent individual [[Senedd constituency|Senedd constituencies]], and twenty to represent the five [[Senedd electoral regions|electoral regions]] of the Senedd in [[Wales]].
A '''member of the Senedd''' ('''MS'''; [[plural]]: ''MSs''; {{lang-cy|aelodau o'r Senedd}}; {{Lang-cy|AS|label=none}}, plural: {{lang|cy|ASau}}){{efn-la|Alternatively referred to in English-language media, using the official English name, the Welsh Parliament, as a '''Member of the Welsh Parliament''' or a '''Welsh Parliament Member''', however, a member is officially known as a Member of the Senedd (MS), or in {{lang-cy|Aelodau o'r Senedd}} (AS).|group=la}} is a representative elected to the [[Senedd]] (Welsh Parliament; {{Lang-cy|Senedd Cymru}}). There are sixty members, with forty members chosen to represent individual [[Senedd constituency|Senedd constituencies]], and twenty to represent the five [[Senedd electoral regions|electoral regions]] of the Senedd in [[Wales]].


Each person in Wales is represented by five MSs: one for their local constituency (encompassing their local area where they reside), and another four covering their electoral region (a large grouping of constituencies). Wales's five electoral regions are [[Mid and West Wales (Senedd electoral region)|Mid and West Wales]], [[North Wales (Senedd electoral region)|North Wales]], [[South Wales Central (Senedd electoral region)|South Wales Central]], [[South Wales East (Senedd electoral region)|South Wales East]] and [[South Wales West (Senedd electoral region)|South Wales West]].<ref>[http://exploretheassembly.org/lang/en-uk/your-am/what-does-an-am-do-welsh Explore the Assembly education website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111030453/http://exploretheassembly.org/lang/en-uk/your-am/what-does-an-am-do-welsh |date=11 January 2013 }}</ref>
Each person in Wales is represented by five MSs: one for their local constituency (encompassing their local area where they reside), and another four covering their electoral region (a large grouping of constituencies). Wales's five electoral regions are [[Mid and West Wales (Senedd electoral region)|Mid and West Wales]], [[North Wales (Senedd electoral region)|North Wales]], [[South Wales Central (Senedd electoral region)|South Wales Central]], [[South Wales East (Senedd electoral region)|South Wales East]] and [[South Wales West (Senedd electoral region)|South Wales West]].<ref>[http://exploretheassembly.org/lang/en-uk/your-am/what-does-an-am-do-welsh Explore the Assembly education website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111030453/http://exploretheassembly.org/lang/en-uk/your-am/what-does-an-am-do-welsh |date=11 January 2013 }}</ref>


A holder of this office was formerly known as an '''Assembly Member''' ('''AM'''; plural: AMs; {{lang-cy|Aelodau'r Cynulliad}}; {{Lang-cy|AC|label=none}}, plural: {{lang|cy|ACau}}), under the legislature's former name, the [[National Assembly for Wales]], from its [[1999 National Assembly for Wales election|inception in 1999]] until [[Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020|2020 when it adopted its current names]], Welsh Parliament, and {{Lang-cy|Senedd Cymru|label=none}}, simply referred to as Senedd in both [[English language|English]] and [[Welsh language|Welsh]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2020/1/section/4/enacted/data.htm|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Explanatory Notes to Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2020/1/notes/division/1/5/1/data.htm|last=Commission|first=Assembly|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>
A holder of this office was formerly known as an '''assembly member''' ('''AM'''; plural: AMs; {{lang-cy|aelodau'r cynulliad}}; {{Lang-cy|AC|label=none}}, plural: {{lang|cy|ACau}}), under the legislature's former name, the [[National Assembly for Wales]], from its [[1999 National Assembly for Wales election|inception in 1999]] until [[Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020|2020 when it adopted its current names]], Welsh Parliament, and {{Lang-cy|Senedd Cymru|label=none}}, simply referred to as Senedd in both [[English language|English]] and [[Welsh language|Welsh]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2020/1/section/4/enacted/data.htm|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Explanatory Notes to Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/anaw/2020/1/notes/division/1/5/1/data.htm|last=Commission|first=Assembly|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|access-date=2020-05-03}}</ref>


Since 2011, members are elected for a five-year [[term of office]] under an [[additional member system]], in which 40 MSs represent smaller geographical divisions known as [[National Assembly for Wales constituencies and electoral regions|"constituencies"]] and are elected by [[first-past-the-post voting]], and 20 MSs represent [[National Assembly for Wales constituencies and electoral regions|five "electoral regions"]] using the [[D'Hondt method]] of [[proportional representation]]. Typically, the largest party holding the largest number of MSs in the Senedd forms the Welsh Government, and in the event of not securing a majority of MSs, the largest party has first rights to begin coalition talks with other smaller parties. Prior to 2011, they held four-year terms, with some MSs calling for a return of four-year terms from the current five.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-06|title=Call for Senedd to return to elections every four years as Westminster poised to scrap fixed terms|url=https://nation.cymru/news/call-for-senedd-to-return-to-elections-every-four-years-as-westminster-poised-to-scrap-fixed-terms/|access-date=2021-07-27|website=Nation.Cymru|language=en-GB}}</ref> There have been calls to increase the numbers of Members of the Senedd to around 90-100, with proposals met with criticism.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-05-19|title=Mark Drakeford backs calls for bigger Welsh Parliament|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-57116856|access-date=2021-07-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Welsh democracy is under threat, we need more members of the Senedd now more than ever|url=https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/welsh-democracy-is-under-threat-we-need-more-members-of-the-senedd-now-more-than-ever/|access-date=2021-07-25|website=www.electoral-reform.org.uk|language=en-US}}</ref>
Since 2011, members are elected for a five-year [[term of office]] under an [[additional member system]], in which 40 MSs represent smaller geographical divisions known as [[Senedd constituencies and electoral regions|"constituencies"]] and are elected by [[first-past-the-post voting]], and 20 MSs represent [[Senedd constituencies and electoral regions|five "electoral regions"]] using the [[D'Hondt method]] of [[proportional representation]]. Typically, the largest party holding the largest number of MSs in the Senedd forms the Welsh Government, and in the event of not securing a majority of MSs, the largest party has first rights to begin coalition talks with other smaller parties. Prior to 2011, they held four-year terms, with some MSs calling for a return of four-year terms from the current five.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-07-06|title=Call for Senedd to return to elections every four years as Westminster poised to scrap fixed terms|url=https://nation.cymru/news/call-for-senedd-to-return-to-elections-every-four-years-as-westminster-poised-to-scrap-fixed-terms/|access-date=2021-07-27|website=Nation.Cymru|language=en-GB}}</ref> From the next Senedd election, due in 2026, the size of the Senedd will increase to 96.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2021-05-19|title=Mark Drakeford backs calls for bigger Welsh Parliament|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-politics-57116856|access-date=2021-07-25}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Welsh democracy is under threat, we need more members of the Senedd now more than ever|url=https://www.electoral-reform.org.uk/welsh-democracy-is-under-threat-we-need-more-members-of-the-senedd-now-more-than-ever/|access-date=2021-07-25|website=www.electoral-reform.org.uk|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Methods of election==
==Methods of election==
MSs are elected in one of two ways:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/32/contents|title=Government of Wales Act 2006|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref>
MSs are elected in one of two ways:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/32/contents|title=Government of Wales Act 2006|website=www.legislation.gov.uk|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref>
#[[First-past-the-post voting|First-past-the-post]] [[Senedd constituencies and electoral regions|constituency]] or
#[[First-past-the-post voting|First-past-the-post]] [[Senedd constituencies and electoral regions|constituency]] or
#[[Senedd constituencies and electoral regions|Regional]] [[Additional Members System|additional-member]]
#[[Senedd constituencies and electoral regions|Regional]] [[Additional Members System|additional-member]]


Forty are [[election|elected]] as constituency MSs and twenty are elected as additional members, four from each of five regional groups of [[constituencies]]. This additional member system produces a form of [[proportional representation]] for each region.
Forty are [[election|elected]] as constituency MSs and twenty are elected as additional members, four from each of five regional groups of [[constituencies]]. This additional member system produces a form of [[proportional representation]] for each region.


==Elections==
==Elections==
All MSs positions become simultaneously vacant for [[elections]] held on a four-year cycle. If a [[Vacancy (economics)|vacancy]] arises at another time, due to [[death]] or [[resignation]], it may be filled in one of two ways, depending on whether the [[Vacancy (economics)|vacancy]] is for a [[first-past-the-post]] [[constituency]] MS or for an additional-member MS.
All MSs positions become simultaneously vacant for [[elections]] held on a five-year cycle. If a [[Vacancy (economics)|vacancy]] arises at another time, due to [[death]] or [[resignation]], it may be filled in one of two ways, depending on whether the [[Vacancy (economics)|vacancy]] is for a [[first-past-the-post]] [[constituency]] MS or for an additional-member MS.


A constituency vacancy may be filled by a [[by-election]]. An additional member vacancy may be filled by the next available candidate on the relevant party list.
A constituency vacancy may be filled by a [[by-election]]. An additional member vacancy may be filled by the next available candidate on the relevant party list.

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==Notes==
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{{notelist-la}}


==See also==
==See also==
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* [[Members of the 3rd National Assembly for Wales]]
* [[Members of the 3rd National Assembly for Wales]]
* [[Members of the 4th National Assembly for Wales]]
* [[Members of the 4th National Assembly for Wales]]
* [[Members of the 5th National Assembly for Wales]]
* [[Members of the 5th National Assembly for Wales|Members of the 5th National Assembly for Wales/"5th Senedd"]]
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* [[Members of the 6th Senedd]]
* [[2016 National Assembly for Wales election]]
* [[2016 National Assembly for Wales election]]
* [[2021 Senedd election]]
* [[2021 Senedd election]]
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* [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (Northern Ireland)]]
* [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (Northern Ireland)]]
* [[Member of the Scottish Parliament]]
* [[Member of the Scottish Parliament]]

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==Notes==
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{{notelist-la}}


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 23:52, 10 August 2024

For current members of the Senedd, see Members of the 6th Senedd.

This article is part of a series within the
Politics of the United Kingdom on the
Politics of Wales
The Crown
The Monarch

Charles III

Heir Apparent
William, Prince of Wales

Regierung
Welsh Government
Eluned Morgan government (list)

First Minister (list)
Rt Hon Eluned Morgan MS (L)

Counsel General-designate – Elisabeth Jones Chief Whip and Trefnydd – Jane Hutt MS (L) Permanent Secretary

International relations
Legislature
Senedd

Sixth Senedd

Llywydd (Presiding Officer)
Elin Jones MS (PC)

Leader of the Opposition
Andrew RT Davies MS (C)
Shadow Cabinet (current)

Wales and the United Kingdom
HM Government
Starmer ministry

Prime Minister
Rt Hon Keir Starmer MP (L)

Secretary of State for Wales
Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP (L)

UK Parliament
Politics of the United Kingdom
Law and justice
Local administration
History
Subdivisions of Wales
Local government

Principal councils (leader list) Corporate Joint Committees

Local twinning

see also: Regional terms and Regional economy

Elections and referendums
Senedd elections

United Kingdom Parliament elections

European Parliament elections (1979–2020)

Local elections

Police and crime commissioner elections

Referendums

Represented in the Senedd
Diagram showing the current party affiliation of the 60 members of the Senedd as of September 2023. Colours below, left to right:
  Plaid Cymru: 12 seats
  Independent: 1 seat
  Liberal Democrat: 1 seat
  Labour: 30 seats
  Conservative: 16 seats

A member of the Senedd (MS; plural: MSs; Welsh: aelodau o'r Senedd; AS, plural: ASau)[a] is a representative elected to the Senedd (Welsh Parliament; Welsh: Senedd Cymru). There are sixty members, with forty members chosen to represent individual Senedd constituencies, and twenty to represent the five electoral regions of the Senedd in Wales.

Each person in Wales is represented by five MSs: one for their local constituency (encompassing their local area where they reside), and another four covering their electoral region (a large grouping of constituencies). Wales's five electoral regions are Mid and West Wales, North Wales, South Wales Central, South Wales East and South Wales West.[1]

A holder of this office was formerly known as an assembly member (AM; plural: AMs; Welsh: aelodau'r cynulliad; AC, plural: ACau), under the legislature's former name, the National Assembly for Wales, from its inception in 1999 until 2020 when it adopted its current names, Welsh Parliament, and Senedd Cymru, simply referred to as Senedd in both English and Welsh.[2][3]

Since 2011, members are elected for a five-year term of office under an additional member system, in which 40 MSs represent smaller geographical divisions known as "constituencies" and are elected by first-past-the-post voting, and 20 MSs represent five "electoral regions" using the D'Hondt method of proportional representation. Typically, the largest party holding the largest number of MSs in the Senedd forms the Welsh Government, and in the event of not securing a majority of MSs, the largest party has first rights to begin coalition talks with other smaller parties. Prior to 2011, they held four-year terms, with some MSs calling for a return of four-year terms from the current five.[4] From the next Senedd election, due in 2026, the size of the Senedd will increase to 96.[5][6]

Methods of election

MSs are elected in one of two ways:[7]

  1. First-past-the-post constituency or
  2. Regional additional-member

Forty are elected as constituency MSs and twenty are elected as additional members, four from each of five regional groups of constituencies. This additional member system produces a form of proportional representation for each region.

Elections

All MSs positions become simultaneously vacant for elections held on a five-year cycle. If a vacancy arises at another time, due to death or resignation, it may be filled in one of two ways, depending on whether the vacancy is for a first-past-the-post constituency MS or for an additional-member MS.

A constituency vacancy may be filled by a by-election. An additional member vacancy may be filled by the next available candidate on the relevant party list.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Alternatively referred to in English-language media, using the official English name, the Welsh Parliament, as a Member of the Welsh Parliament or a Welsh Parliament Member, however, a member is officially known as a Member of the Senedd (MS), or in Welsh: Aelodau o'r Senedd (AS).

References

  1. ^ Explore the Assembly education website Archived 11 January 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ "Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  3. ^ Commission, Assembly. "Explanatory Notes to Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  4. ^ "Call for Senedd to return to elections every four years as Westminster poised to scrap fixed terms". Nation.Cymru. 6 July 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  5. ^ "Mark Drakeford backs calls for bigger Welsh Parliament". BBC News. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  6. ^ "Welsh democracy is under threat, we need more members of the Senedd now more than ever". www.electoral-reform.org.uk. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  7. ^ "Government of Wales Act 2006". www.legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
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