A Senedd committee meeting took an unexpected turn when it was abruptly cancelled after most of its members failed to show up! Only one out of the five politicians assigned to the committee made it, leading to its inquorate status. The committee, set to discuss the impact of the Hafod landfill site on Wrexham locals, was postponed for now.
Labour’s Carolyn Thomas, the sole attendee, received last-minute apologies from her colleagues Luke Fletcher, Vaughan Gething, Joel James, and Rhys ab Owen. Although Gareth Davies was present as a stand-in for Mr James, the meeting didn’t have the required numbers to proceed. Under current rules, committee gatherings must have at least three members or be cancelled.
This highlights the recurring issue of stalled committees due to attendance woes, something proponents argue will be addressed by expanding the Senedd from 60 to 96 members come May 2026. This change aims to strengthen the institution and ensure thorough scrutiny.
While these plans come with a hefty price tag and a fair share of controversy, supporters believe they will make a significant difference. Labour MS Mike Hedges has been vocal about the strain on current committees, once noting how attendance was so thin that his absence, even for a quick break, would have scuppered a meeting.
Next up for the committee? They plan to reconvene on November 10. Until then, all eyes are on the Senedd’s upcoming expansion, promising a shake-up that could change the game for Welsh politics. What do you think, will a bigger Senedd help tackle these issues? Let us know your thoughts!
