A new row over Senedd reform has broken out following the publication of a Senedd committee report that says the number of Senedd members should increase from 60 to 96 and that all should be elected by the “closed list” system of proportional representation.
Currently 40 MSs represent “first-past-the-post” constituencies, with the remaining 20 regional seats allocated on a proportional basis. Earlier this month First Minister and Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price announced their parties had agreed that the Senedd should have 96 Members elected by the “closed list” system, under which Wales would be divided into 16 super-constituencies, each with six MSs. You can read more about the arrangement here.
A gender-balanced Senedd would be achieved by a “zipping” arrangement, under which male and female candidates would alternate on their parties’ lists. Today’s report from the Senedd’s Special Purpose Committee on Senedd Reform endorses both elements of the agreement between Mr Drakeford and Mr Price.
