Elin Jones to stand down as Llywydd in 2026

The woman in charge of keeping order in the Welsh Parliament has said she will give up the job after the next Senedd election.

Elin Jones has been Llywydd since 2016 but has said it was time for “a new pair of eyes” to keep politicians in check.

She said she was pleased to have set in train the plans to increase membership of the Senedd from 60 to 96 from May 2026.

Jones said she hoped to be a member of that parliament and was looking forward to being a backbencher.

Jones was elected to the first Assembly as it then was in 1999, as the Plaid Cymru member for Ceredigion, a seat she has represented since.

She was the minister for rural affairs during the Labour-Plaid Cymru coalition, before becoming Llywydd in 2016.

The Llywydd’s job is to act as the Welsh Parliament’s figurehead and referee in the chamber.

Jones feels next year’s Senedd election was a good time to hand over.

“I will by this time next year, have served as Llywydd for 10 years”, she said.

“I think that’s more than enough time for somebody to be elected as Llywydd in this place and it’s time for a new pair of eyes watching what the people do in this chamber.”

She added she was proud of her work in lobbying for more members for a body which has accrued more powers since 1999.

The Senedd’s chamber has now closed for renovation work to accommodate the additional members when they start next year.

“And on that note, I can conclude my time as Llywydd, pass on the reins so I will not be putting my name forward to be Llywydd in May of next year, and it’ll be one of the other 96.”