April 10, 2026 - 222 views
The Welsh Parliament has entered a formal election period following the dissolution of the Senedd, meaning there are currently no sitting Members of the Senedd (MSs) until voters return to the polls in May 2026.
The move brings an official end to the current parliamentary term, with all MS positions now temporarily vacant as the political focus shifts to the upcoming election on 7 May 2026.
From a North Wales perspective, this means constituencies such as Ynys Môn, Gwynedd, Clwyd, and parts of Conwy and Flintshire will not have active MS representation until the new Senedd is formed after the vote. Work undertaken by constituency offices will also be paused or transferred into election-period arrangements, as is standard practice during dissolution.
Historically, MSs have continued to serve right up until dissolution, but once the Senedd is formally dissolved, all elected roles cease until new Members are declared and sworn in after the election.
The change is part of the normal democratic cycle, but this election is particularly significant as it comes ahead of major reforms that will reshape the Senedd’s size and electoral system, expanding the number of Members and altering constituency boundaries across Wales.
For North Wales communities, the period means a temporary pause in direct parliamentary representation, with public services and local authorities continuing to operate as normal while national political campaigning intensifies.
Once voting concludes on 7 May 2026, the newly elected Senedd will be established, restoring full representation for North Wales and the rest of Wales under the revised structure.
