🏛️ The Senedd’s Back in Action: What You Need to Know! 🗳️
After a sun-soaked summer break, Senedd members are diving back into the political pool at Cardiff Bay this week, and it promises to be a game-changer. The iconic Senedd building is getting an upgrade in time for some big changes come May, when the number of members jumps from 60 to 96. But the makeover isn’t just physical. A political shake-up is in the air, with polls suggesting potential shifts in power for Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Reform UK.
👥 So, who’s in and who’s out? Familiar faces are stepping down, like the former First Ministers Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething, plus cabinet giants Julie James, Jane Hutt, and Lesley Griffiths. Their farewell makes room for a new wave of political figures, potentially from a party with just one current member!
Here’s what’s catching our attention right now:
1️⃣ Farewells and Tributes: The session begins by honouring Hefin David, the Caerphilly MS who passed away last August. It’s a moment for heartfelt tributes from colleagues and committee mates.
2️⃣ A New Face for Reform UK: Laura Anne-Jones’ switch from the Tories to Reform, mid-August, was as dramatic as it sounds. Her surprise move at the Royal Welsh Show got everyone talking—and now she’s Reform UK’s first representative in the Senedd. Her entrance is bound to stir the pot, especially amidst the chatter about leaked expenses reports.
3️⃣ The Caerphilly By-Election: October 23 is a date to mark as Caerphilly picks Hewin David’s successor. With Labour pouring resources into this corner of Wales, eyes are on the results for clues about future battles.
4️⃣ All Eyes on “The Red Welsh Way”: Eluned Morgan’s “Welsh Red Way” is making waves, especially as Labour tries to distinguish itself from its London counterpart amid rocky poll results.
5️⃣ May on the Horizon: The May elections might feel distant to most, but in the Welsh political arena, they’re the talk of the town. With Labour facing tests from Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, there’s everything to play for. 📊
Get ready for an intense political season in Wales! 🎢💼