Politicians in the Senedd are currently in discussions regarding the potential implementation of a recall system that would allow for the removal of rule-breaking politicians. Unlike the UK Parliament, the Senedd does not currently have a mechanism in place to permanently remove members who breach the code of conduct, even if they are suspended. This issue came to light after former Plaid Cymru MS, Rhys ab Owen, returned to the Senedd following a lengthy suspension without voter input on his reinstatement.
In Scotland, Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) Graham Simpson presented his proposed recall bill to the Senedd’s standards committee on October 14. This bill aims to automatically disqualify MSPs who receive a prison sentence of six months or more. The proposed bill would also extend the rule for councillors to MSPs, allowing for their removal if they fail to attend meetings for six months.
If the Scottish bill is passed, Wales would be the only part of the UK without a similar recall mechanism. Under the proposed Scottish system, triggers for a recall petition would include a custodial sentence of 12 months or less, a suspension lasting at least ten days, or a conviction for expenses offences.
As Wales transitions to a closed-list electoral system in 2026, Labour’s Mick Antoniw raised concerns about how the recall system would function, given that by-elections will not be held to replace outgoing politicians. Instead, the next candidate on a party’s list would take the vacant position.
The proposed Scottish system would require 10% of voters to sign a recall petition across a region, with at least 10% in three constituencies, to initiate the process. Following this, a yes-no vote would be conducted, with a simple majority determining the outcome.
Members of the Senedd are currently exploring different options for implementing a recall system similar to that proposed in Scotland. The discussions aim to address concerns around accountability and transparency in the political process. The potential introduction of a recall mechanism would offer voters a stronger voice in holding politicians accountable for their actions.