Since 1999, an election for the Senedd (formerly known as the National Assembly for Wales) has taken place in May every five years. The next Senedd Election is taking place on Thursday May 7, 2026.
BASW is currently developing a full manifesto with the interests of the social work profession at its heart.
A special steering group has been established to take the manifesto work forward. Included in this group are members from the BASW Cymru National Standing Committee, a local authority consultant social worker, two staff members from BASW Cymru (qualified social workers), plus a further staff member from BASW Cymru (non-social worker), who coordinates the group and its work. BASW Cymru has also extended an open invitation for other members to contribute to this work. In addition, an important part of the manifesto’s development was undertaken at BASW Cymru’s annual conference in March 2025. A final draft manifesto will be presented to the whole BASW Cymru manifesto for a period of consultation.
The 2026 Senedd Election will include the largest amount of change since devolution in Wales began, including:
- The number of MSs increase from 60 to 96 MSs
- There will be no first past the post MSs elected
- Each of the 96 MSs will be elected through the proportional representation system, with six MSs being elected into one of 16 newly created constituencies, which are:
- Bangor Aberconwy Ynys Môn
- Clwyd
- Alyn, Deeside and Wrexham
- Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
- Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire
- Carmarthenshire
- Swansea West and Gower
- Brecon, Radnor, Neath and Swansea East
- Aberafan Maesteg, Rhondda and Ogmore
- Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Pontypridd
- Blaenau Gwent, Rhymney and Caerphilly
- Monmouthshire and Torfaen
- Newport and Islwyn
- Cardiff East and North
- Cardiff West, South and Penarth
- Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend
- For the first time, the Senedd Election will reduce the term of office of those elected from a five-year term to four years.
- Other changes that will impact following the 2026 Senedd Election, include:
- All candidates standing for election must be a resident in Wales
- A defection of an MS to another party is not permitted. An MS would instead have to become an independent MS
- Independent candidates must disclose any political party membership for full and clear disclosure
Keep checking this page for updates and our manifesto. If you any any question or queries about the BASW Cymru manifesto work, please email steven.crane-jenkins@basw.co.uk.
