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Senedd members back legislative change to increase the size of Welsh Parliament by 36 politicians

SENEDD members backed legislative change on Tuesday night to increase the size of the Welsh Parliament with 36 more politicians for the next election in 2026.

A new voting system was also agreed with all 96 politicians elected by a closed-list system with six seats elected within each constituency.

At the moment the Senedd is elected by a mixture of first past the post and a party list system for regional seats.

The new voting system has been criticised for potentially leaving voters with less choice as political parties will determine where candidates are placed on the list.

Counsel General Mick Antoniw admitted the closed list electoral system was a “compromise,” but said the new elections will “ensure every vote counts.”

Labour backbencher Mike Hedges said he voted for the general principle but was not happy with the closed list system.

A total of 39 supported the first stage of the legislation’s passage through the Senedd, with 14 against.

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