Plans to increase the number of Senedd members from 60 to 96 have moved a step closer after a key motion was passed this weekend. 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 75.64% for to 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. Reaching that two-thirds mark seems likely given the fact Labour and Plaid Cymru struck a deal to increase the number of MSs as part of their cooperation agreement last May. The aim is for the changes to be introduced in time for the 2026 election.
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First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "I am delighted that Welsh Labour delegates have today decided to support Senedd reform. Today's vote will strengthen Wales' democracy, secure the future of our Senedd and ensure people across Wales are better represented - reflecting the modern Wales in which we live."
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 Committee on Senedd Reform also backed the proposals last May. However, a number of Labour MPs have publicly criticised the plans, including Welsh Labour's deputy leader, Carolyn Harris, and Rhondda MP Chris Bryant.
After the motion was passed, the Welsh Conservatives called for the changes to be put to a referendum. Welsh Conservatives leader Andrew RT Davies said: "Mark Drakeford has given Labour members a vote on more politicians, he should now do the right thing and give the Welsh people a vote in a referendum.
"It's clear that a significant part of the Labour movement has serious concerns about these plans and the destruction of the localised link between voters and their elected representatives. If the Labour establishment really think this is good for Wales, then they should give the public a say."
But Plaid Cymru spokesperson on the constitution, Rhys ab Owen MS, welcomed Welsh Labour members' decision to endorse the Senedd proposals for "a stronger, more diverse and more representative Senedd". He said: "Our parliament will be better equipped to improve the lives of the people of Wales thanks to Plaid Cymru's Cooperation Agreement with the Welsh Government.
"This is a significant and positive moment in our nation's history. It is nevertheless disappointing to see some dissent particularly by Westminster MPs. They are on the wrong side of history when it comes to Wales' democratic journey. We turn our sights now to ensuring the work of implementing our vision gets underway in earnest and with urgency - to ensure reform becomes reality by the next Senedd election in 2026."
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