How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics?

The 2026 Senedd (Welsh Parliament) election may be one of the most significant since the start of devolution. Much attention is rightly being given to the possibility of Plaid Cymru and Reform UK ending Labour’s long dominance of Welsh politics. But this is also the first election since major reforms introduced a new electoral system, new constituencies, shorter electoral terms, and a move from 60 to 96 Senedd members. So what should we expect from the elections? How will these reforms affect the election result, the work of the Senedd, and the wider shape of Welsh politics? And are further reforms needed to safeguard and strengthen Welsh democracy? We discuss these questions with an expert panel. Speakers: Jess Blair – Director of Electoral Reform Society Cymru Professor Laura McAllister – Professor of Public Policy and the Governance of Wales at Cardiff University and former Co-Chair of the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales Sir Paul Silk – former Clerk to the National Assembly for Wales and Chair of the Commission on Devolution in Wales Chair: Professor Alan Renwick – Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit Links: Website: Mailing list: Blog: constitution-unit.com

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How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics? is an episode from The Constitution Unit by The Constitution Unit.

This episode is 00:59:42 long.

This episode was published on Mar 5, 2026.

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