Bigger Senedd needed for next generation, Jane Hutt says

The Senedd is currently made up of 60 Members of the Senedd (MSs) but it could rise to 96

Wales needs a bigger Senedd to serve the next generation, a Welsh government minister has said.

It comes after Labour members in a second constituency rejected a plan to increase the number of Senedd members and change the way they are elected.

Party members in Llanelli followed those in Rhondda by voting against the plans by the government and Plaid.

But Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt welcomed a debate about a "crucially important package" of changes.

A Welsh Labour special conference on 2 July will decide whether to formally endorse the Senedd reform plan.

It would take the Senedd from 60 to 96 members, representing 16 constituencies.

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Voters would cast one vote for a party at election time, with the parties deciding the order of the candidates they put forward.

Ms Hutt said Labour members in her Vale of Glamorgan seat unanimously supported the plan, as have other constituency Labour parties.

"Constituencies all over Wales, rightly, are debating this," she told BBC Politics Wales.

"This is a historical opportunity for us, for our next generation, to actually ensure that we have the reform that we know will serve the people of Wales.

"It's good that there's debate."

The Conservatives want the proposals to be put to a referendum.

"Once again Labour ministers are proving that they are woefully out of touch with the priorities of the people of Wales," said Andrew RT Davies, the party's leader in Wales.

"Labour ministers need to focus on improving education standards in Wales, not pushing for more politicians."

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