Upcoming Senedd Election: Key Changes and Priorities

With 100 days remaining until the seventh Senedd election on May 7, 2026, Wales is set to experience notable changes in its electoral process. A new voting system will require voters to select their preferred party rather than individual candidates, and the number of constituencies will be reduced to 16. Additionally, the Senedd will expand from 60 to 96 members, reflecting a shift in the political landscape of Wales.

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As the election approaches, health and the National Health Service (NHS) remain paramount concerns for Welsh voters. NHS leaders have called on political parties to prioritize five major changes aimed at enhancing health and social care. These include implementing a cross-government strategy for prevention, strengthening the health workforce, creating integrated performance frameworks, stabilizing social care, and developing a long-term strategy for NHS infrastructure. Darren Hughes, director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to address rising health demands, stating, “Unless there is a cross-government plan to reduce inequalities and preventable ill health, the NHS and care sectors will merely be working harder to stand still.”

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Eluned Morgan, the Labour First Minister of Wales, has urged voters to focus on local issues rather than using the election as a referendum on UK Labour leader Keir Starmer. She cautioned against protest votes that could empower pro-independence parties like Plaid Cymru and the Greens, which may disrupt governance and public services. Morgan acknowledged the challenges facing Labour, noting that polls suggest the party could face a significant loss of seats, potentially ending its long-standing dominance in Wales.

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Reform UK is positioning itself as a contender in the upcoming election, with indications that it may secure a substantial number of seats. The party, led by Nigel Farage, has yet to confirm its candidates or a Welsh leader, but it aims to present a full slate of candidates across all constituencies. Laura Anne Jones, a former Conservative member who joined Reform UK, expressed confidence in the party's popularity despite the lack of a detailed platform, stating, “Just think how popular we are at the moment – we haven't given you anything really in terms of what we're going to do for Wales yet.”

It's 100 days until the Senedd election and one of the frontrunners still has no leaderWelsh first minister: Senedd election should not be referendum on StarmerWales politics: 100 days to Senedd electionSenedd election 100 days to go: Health of the nation must be priority

Morgan has faced criticism regarding the handling of NHS waiting lists, which remain higher than in England. She defended the government's record, claiming that waiting lists have decreased by 90% since their peak. However, she acknowledged the complexities of comparing healthcare systems between Wales and England, suggesting that the two nations operate under different metrics.

Senedd election 100 days to go: Health of the nation must be priority

As the election date approaches, the implications for Wales's governance and public services are significant. With the potential rise of pro-independence parties and the emergence of Reform UK, the political dynamics are shifting. Morgan has warned that a vote for these parties could lead to dire consequences for public services and economic stability in Wales, emphasizing the need for voters to consider the broader implications of their choices.

Welsh first minister: Senedd election should not be referendum on Starmer