The Senedd Election 2026

[Cooperman]

How far would you cut the numbers? There are currently 60, rising to 96 next year.

The MP to electorate ratio is something like 1 to 70,000. With 96 Senedd members and a round number of two million Welsh voters we’ve got close to 1:20,000, so a maximum of 40 but remaining large enough to ensure an effective review of proposed bills.

 

[Cooperman]

To add, if the numbers involved are not influencing the max salary then my comment is irrelevant. However I will still stand by the point that the role deserves a higher salary when departmental responsibility is involved.

 

[exiledclaseboy]

The MP to electorate ratio is something like 1 to 70,000. With 96 Senedd members and a round number of two million Welsh voters we’ve got close to 1:20,000, so a maximum of 40 but remaining large enough to ensure an effective review of proposed bills.

There are 14 ministerial posts so with 40 members the governing party would likely need 20 but given the history of Senedd elections that is very unlikely. So most of the governing party in the legislature would be part of the executive and on the government payroll. 40 is too few. The Tynwald on the Isle of Man has 35 members.

 

[Niigata Jack]

How on earth are we so bereft of any credible politicians/patries in Wales. It beggars belief. It's a sad state of affairs that there is barely anyone worthy of taking over the reins from the current incumbents, its bloody tragic.
The state of this country is appalling.

It's the same nationwide. Starmer and his crew have been a disaster so far and sadly with no sign of them getting better.
Drakeford and his crew have been the same, nothing exists outside of the Senedd and Cardiff.

 

[Niigata Jack]

£76k for a backbencher. Ministers etc get more on top of that depending on what job it is. You’re not rich on £76k, far from poor either mind. I agree there’s a strong argument for increasing the wage.

Westminster MPs (backbenchers) get £93k, for comparison.

Depends on what they bring to the table and on that basis £2.50 an hour is to much.

 

[Cooperman]

There are 14 ministerial posts so with 40 members the governing party would likely need 20 but given the history of Senedd elections that is very unlikely. So most of the governing party in the legislature would be part of the executive and on the government payroll. 40 is too few. The Tynwald on the Isle of Man has 35 members.

Then the key challenge then becomes ensuring that we don’t dilute the quality of personnel.

I saw some clips of the live debate between Caerphilly by-election candidates, not a great advert for the future of Welsh politics.

 

[Frankie Burrows Cap]

Then the key challenge then becomes ensuring that we don’t dilute the quality of personnel.

I saw some clips of the live debate between Caerphilly by-election candidates, not a great advert for the future of Welsh politics.

You're lucky you didn't watch the full hour!

Although in fairness, many people's first appearance on live TV is pretty cringeworthy, whether in entertainment, sport or politics - doesn't excuse the lack of substance but they probably deserve a pass over hesitating and stumbling over words at times.

 

[Pentyrchjack]

You're lucky you didn't watch the full hour!

Although in fairness, many people's first appearance on live TV is pretty cringeworthy, whether in entertainment, sport or politics - doesn't excuse the lack of substance but they probably deserve a pass over hesitating and stumbling over words at times.

I did watch some of it and I agree, its all about media savvy perception, which is a big problem because politicians are elected on how they look and speak as opposed to what they will do and how well they will do it.

 

[Cooperman]

You're lucky you didn't watch the full hour!

Although in fairness, many people's first appearance on live TV is pretty cringeworthy, whether in entertainment, sport or politics - doesn't excuse the lack of substance but they probably deserve a pass over hesitating and stumbling over words at times.

Sure, I’ll give them a free pass for the stage fright. However would have there been any greater substance if they didn’t have a camera pointed at them? I didn’t get a positive vibe.

 

[Scotia]

Sure, I’ll give them a free pass for the stage fright. However would have there been any greater substance if they didn’t have a camera pointed at them? I didn’t get a positive vibe.

If they get stage fright on a regional TV programme God help them representing Wales on diplomatic world stage or even negotiating a better settlement for Wales with Westminster.

I haven't seen it all, but the reform candidate was made to look a fool over immigration in Caerphilly, especially by the mother of the mixed race sons.

 

[Cooperman]

If they get stage fright on a regional TV programme God help them representing Wales on diplomatic world stage or even negotiating a better settlement for Wales with Westminster.

I haven't seen it all, but the reform candidate was made to look a fool over immigration in Caerphilly, especially by the mother of the mixed race sons.

He was a proper beaut.

 

[Smurph]

From the brief snippets I've seen the only one that really appears to give a shit about Caerphilly is Lindsay Whittle.

 

[exiledclaseboy]

‘Suck it up’: leaked video exposes bitter infighting at Reform UK’s flagship Kent council

Exclusive: Footage reveals Kent leader berating councillors amid rows over budgets and bullying claims

www.theguardian.com

For Kent, see Wales and then the entire U.K. Be very careful what you wish for.

 

[rockinj]

‘Suck it up’: leaked video exposes bitter infighting at Reform UK’s flagship Kent council

Exclusive: Footage reveals Kent leader berating councillors amid rows over budgets and bullying claims

www.theguardian.com

For Kent, see Wales and then the entire U.K. Be very careful what you wish for.

Nevermind that they’ll solve the Caerphilly immigration crisis

 

[Neath_Jack]

I dreamt about the upcoming by-election in Caerphilly last night, the Tories romped it with Labour coming second