The main reason behind Senedd expansion is to give the institution more gravitas. That’s why Labour, Plaid Cymru separatists and the Lib Dems have spent so much political capital on it. They’re happy to ignore public anger to achieve their goal.
But I couldn’t care less about status. I stood for election to help people and try and make a difference. Not to swan around the Senedd feeling important. At times, I get the sense others within the bubble resent me for this. On several issues, I’ve been castigated, almost to the point of vilification, simply for asking the public what they think. It’s incredible really.
I make no apologies for opposing plans to put 36 more politicians in the Senedd. I’ve always voted against it. Wales doesn’t need more politicians. It doesn’t need a bigger Senedd. It needs more doctors, nurses and teachers.
At the Royal Welsh Show last week, and when I’ve been out knocking doors in Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan recently, it’s become clear the vast majority of people agree with me on this.
What’s also been striking is the way the 36 more Senedd members was rammed through has caused people to lose faith in the Senedd more generally. They’re asking if the institution speaks for or represents them. Or if it hinders, rather than serves, their needs. Labour, Plaid and the Lib Dems are only reinforcing that perception.
The 36 more Senedd members is just the latest example. We’ve also seen new road building banned, 20mph speed limits imposed, and Wales made a Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers. I’ve been castigated for speaking out on these things. But I’ll continue to do so.
There are too few voices in the Senedd who break with the consensus. Fresh blood is desperately needed. Although this might sound like a contradiction from someone who’s been in the Senedd for 18 years, this is also why I’ve decided to stand again.
In 2026, I hope to be re-elected, and joined by many more like minded people. It’s vital new members are shown the dangers of how consensuses build. They need to be made aware of how this limits challenge, and how it leads to poor decisions. It’s very easy to be taken in by the system. I’ve seen it happen many times.
Change is desperately needed. And I hope to play my part in making it happen.