Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill

The Member Accountability Bill Committee is seeking views on the Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) Bill.

The Committee’s agreed terms of reference are to consider:

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>>>The general principles of the Senedd Cymru (Member Accountability and Elections) (Wales) Bill and whether there is a need for legislation to deliver the Bill’s stated policy objectives, which are to enhance the accountability of Members of the Senedd through:

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***strengthening the systems that currently exist that regulate and sanction their behaviour and conduct;

***providing a mechanism to recall an elected Member, removing them from office during their term on the basis of the expressed will of voters in the relevant constituency;

***strengthening the Senedd’s standards process as considered by the Standards of Conduct Committee, including by requiring that each Senedd must establish a mandatory Standards of Conduct Committee and through the appointment of lay members;

***providing more flexibility to the Commissioner for Standards to proactively consider concerns regarding the conduct of Members of the Senedd;

***amending the Welsh Ministers’ power in the Government of Wales Act 2006 to make provision about the conduct of Senedd elections, in particular by placing a duty upon the Welsh Ministers to make provision prohibiting the making or publishing of false statements of fact.

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>>>Any potential barriers to the implementation of the Bill’s provisions, and whether the Bill and accompanying Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment take adequate account of them.

>>>Whether there are any unintended consequences arising from the Bill, including potential implications for the operation of Senedd business.

>>>The Welsh Government’s assessment of the financial and other impacts of the Bill as set out in Parts 2 and 3 of the Explanatory Memorandum.

>>>The appropriateness of the powers in the Bill for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation (as set out in Part 1: Chapter 5 of the Explanatory Memorandum).

>>>Matters relating to the competence of the Senedd including compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights.

>>>The balance between the information contained on the face of the Bill and what is left to subordinate legislation.

>>>Any matter related to the quality of the legislation.

>>>Any other matter related to the constitutional or other implications of the Bill.

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In order for your views to inform our scrutiny of the Bill, we would be grateful to receive any written response you wish to provide by Wednesday, 19 November 2025.

Providing Written Evidence

The Senedd has two official languages, Welsh and English.

In line with the Senedd’s Official Languages Scheme, the Committee welcomes contributions in both or either of our official languages, and we ask organisations that are subject to Welsh Language standards or schemes to respond in line with their own obligations. Please inform the Committee when submitting responses if you intend to provide a translation at a later date.

Please see guidance for those providing evidence for committees.

Disclosure of information

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