The Senedd has passed legislation that will, for the first time, give the people of Wales the ability to force out their elected representatives between elections.
The Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill introduces a formal recall system allowing voters to trigger the removal of a Member of the Senedd under specific circumstances.
Two pathways for recall are set out in the new law. Any Member handed a prison sentence – whether custodial or suspended – will face automatic recall. In cases of serious misconduct, the Standards of Conduct Committee can recommend a Member’s removal, which would then require a majority vote of the full Senedd to proceed.
Beyond the recall mechanism, the legislation strengthens the Senedd’s existing standards framework. Future Senedds will be legally required to establish a Standards of Conduct Committee, with provision for independent lay members to contribute external expertise. The Commissioner for Standards will also be granted enhanced investigative powers.
The Bill additionally targets dishonesty during election campaigns, placing a legal obligation on the next Welsh Government to introduce rules prohibiting false statements in Senedd election regulations.
Counsel General and Minister for Delivery Julie James said:
“For the first time, people in Wales will have the power to remove a Member of the Senedd who has seriously broken the rules. I believe that is exactly as it should be in a healthy, accountable democracy.
“This Bill has been built on a solid foundation of cross-party work and the thorough, evidence-based recommendations of the Standards of Conduct Committee. I am grateful to Members across the chamber for their constructive engagement throughout this process.
“We have delivered on our commitment to put primary legislation in place before this Senedd ends. The Seventh Senedd will now take forward the remaining implementation work, and I am confident that Welsh democracy will be stronger for it.”
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