Wales' devolved national parliament and legislative body, established in 1999 as the National Assembly for Wales and renamed to Senedd Cymru in 2020
The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) is the democratically elected body that represents the interests of Wales and its people. Located in Cardiff Bay, it makes laws for Wales, agrees on Welsh taxes, and holds the Welsh Government to account. The institution was established in 1999 as the National Assembly for Wales and was officially renamed to Senedd Cymru or Welsh Parliament in 2020, commonly known as the Senedd.
The Senedd comprises 60 elected members known as Members of the Senedd (MS), who represent different regions and constituencies across Wales. These members are elected every five years through a mixed electoral system, combining first-past-the-post constituency seats with regional proportional representation. The Senedd operates bilingually in both Welsh and English, reflecting Wales' status as a bilingual nation.
The institution has significant devolved powers covering key areas such as health, education, economic development, transport, agriculture, and the environment. It can make laws (known as Acts of Senedd Cymru) in these devolved areas and has some tax-varying powers, including the ability to set Welsh rates of income tax. The Senedd's work is carried out through plenary sessions and committee meetings, where legislation is scrutinized and government policies are examined.
The Senedd building itself, designed by architect Richard Rogers, has become an iconic symbol of Welsh democracy. The distinctive glass and steel structure, which opened in 2006, embodies principles of openness and transparency in governance. The building includes the Siambr (the debating chamber) and extensive public areas, making the democratic process accessible to Welsh citizens.
Welsh Labour politician Hefin David, who served as Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly since 2016, has passed away suddenly at age 47, leaving behind a legacy of public service.
