People in Wales have voiced frustration after plans to increase the number of Senedd members from 60 to 96 moved a step closer. A special event known as a recall conference took place in Cardiff Bay on Saturday where constituency Labour groups and unions affiliated with the party were given the chance to vote on whether to expand the Welsh Parliament.
While GMB, Community and Usdaw were opposed to the proposals, claiming any changes to the Senedd electoral system would make it more difficult to secure a Welsh Labour government, Wales' largest unions, Unite and Unison, as well as most constituency Labour groups, were in favour, which led to the motion being passed with 75.64% for and 24.36% against.
The plans will now go to the Welsh Parliament in the form of a new law and require two-thirds of the Senedd's agreement to come into force, a mark which seems likely to be reached given the fact Labour and Plaid Cymru struck a deal to increase the number of MSs as part of their cooperation agreement last May. Get the latest political news from WalesOnline sent straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletters.
Read more: Mark Drakeford says he is 'flattered' as he addresses calls for him to remain as First Minister
Under these plans, Wales would be divided into 16 constituencies, with six MSs elected from every constituency under the d'Hondt form of proportional representation currently used to elect the Senedd's regional members. The MSs would be elected using closed proportional lists, which means people vote for the party rather than candidate.
There will also be integrated statutory gender quotas and mandatory zipping, which requires parties to put forward equal numbers of male and female candidates and alternating between men and women when preparing their candidate lists. The aim is for these changes to be introduced in time for the 2026 election.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said he was "delighted" that Welsh Labour delegates supported the move, adding that the vote would "strengthen Wales' democracy, secure the future of our Senedd and ensure people across Wales are better represented". However, the plans, which were backed by the Committee on Senedd Reform last May, have been publicly criticised by a number of Labour MPs, including Welsh Labour's deputy leader, Carolyn Harris, and Rhondda MP Chris Bryant.
The proposals have also left many people in Wales appalled, with hundreds taking to social media to share their views on the matter. The vast majority of comments left on WalesOnline's website and Facebook page slammed the plans, with readers describing them as "unnecessary", "disgraceful" and "a waste of money".
Many of those who opposed the plans said the expansion of the Senedd should not be at the top of the Welsh Government's priorities at a time of huge cost of living increases and growing hospital waiting lists. Others pointed to the millions of pounds that would be spent on salaries for the extra 36 members.
"The Senedd is getting its priorities all wrong again," said Richard Thwaite. "We'll have one of the highest MS per head of population figures than any other part of the UK with this increase. We already have more MS/MP than England per head. Millions of pounds will be spent EVERY year just in salary alone.
He added: "The people of Wales face some of the highest waiting lists for surgery, 24 hour waits for ambulances, 12 hours in A&E. Wouldn't the money be better spent elsewhere?
Andrew Walker agreed, writing: "Perhaps get the basics right first. The NHS, education, social care and the economy and perhaps consider the increase then, or split Wales and give the North its own Senedd so we see some £££." Cherille Harding said she "totally disagreed" with the move, writing: "Let's sort out the existing problems with the country, not spend more money on extra members of the Senedd," while Donna Ryalls added: "More stress on taxpayers, rather see it spent on improving transport and tourism."
John Lewis said he believed the Senedd was "the answer to Wales' problems". However, he added: "Before you go increasing its members, you need to fix its problems like the NHS and education, they are more important than increasing its members."
Meanwhile, John Williams said it was "an absolutely disgraceful decision and completely unnecessary". He added: "Empire building at a time when the Welsh public cannot afford it. Another complete and utter waste of money by the Drakeford government. Should hang their head in shame when the NHS in Wales is desperately underfunded. A huge jobs for the boys."
Others remarked that a Senedd with 96 members would be disproportionately large for the size of Wales. Janet Evans wrote: "Can I ask why do we need soooo many for the size of our country?", while Neil Probert asked: "Why do we need any more than we already have?"
Those opposing the plans also suggested that they should be put to a public vote before they are enforced. Duncan McDonald said the expansion was "wrong, wrong, wrong," adding: "I know if the public were to vote on this ludicrous decision (as they should be allowed to) it would be massively rejected, seriously makes me puke." Another added: "If the people of Wales were to vote on this, it would not happen."
Many even remarked that the number of Senedd members should be reduced, rather than increased, while others advocated scrapping the body altogether. Dave Curtis wrote: "Don't mean to be disrespectful, but if I had my way I would reduce them as they are all a waste of time."
Meanwhile, Stuart Davies added: "I'd rather they scrap the bloody place not add to it. The problem is not the number of people there, it's more down to the quality of the people there, just increasing the numbers with another group with limited ability will not help."
READ NEXT:
- Mark Drakeford launches furious attack on UK Government plans to repeal a law made in Wales
- Boris Johnson aiming to stay in Downing Street until 2030s
Councils will be able to cap the number of second homes in Wales
Further questions about the £4.25m the Welsh Government spent on a farm for Green Man
MPs will be asked to make it an offence for politicians to lie
