Senedd to Expand and Change Electoral System Ahead of 2026 Election
The Senedd will undergo significant changes ahead of the 7 May 2026 election, expanding from 60 to 96 Members of the Senedd (MSs). This expansion will be accompanied by a restructuring of constituencies, reducing them from 40 to 16, with each constituency electing six MSs under a new proportional electoral system.
The parliamentary chamber is currently being renovated to accommodate these changes, adding 36 desks and upgrading technology at an estimated cost of £4.2 million to the taxpayer. Senedd presiding officer Elin Jones described the reforms as a once-in-a-century change designed to help the parliament function more effectively.
Despite broad support for the reforms from Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, and the Welsh Liberal Democrats, the Welsh Conservatives have criticized the changes as potentially wasteful. Voter awareness remains a major challenge as turnout in past Assembly and Senedd elections has been below 50%, with concerns about confusion surrounding the new system.
The 2026 election is expected to bring a political shake-up, possibly challenging Labour’s dominance with increased competition from Plaid Cymru and Reform. Campaigners emphasize the importance of voter registration and participation to ensure the electorate is informed and engaged by the time of the election.
