Veteran Labour politician Huw Irranca-Davies’s appointment was criticised by opponents, however, with the Tory leader labelling it a ‘stitch-up’
Former deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies is the new Llywydd of the Senedd(Image: Matt Horwood/Senedd Cymru)
Former deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has been named the new presiding officer of the Welsh Parliament. The Senedd member for Afan Ogwr Rhondda was elected with 85 votes at the first meeting of the newly-expanded Senedd on May 12.
The Labour politician is responsible for chairing meetings of the full Senedd – called plenary – and ensuring the Senedd conducts its business fairly and impartially, and representing the Senedd in Wales and beyond.
Plaid Cymru’s Kerry Ferguson was elected Deputy Presiding Officer – the deputy role has to be from the governing group.
The election of those two roles is the first thing any new Senedd has to do.
After their roles were appointed, Mr Irranca-Davies immediately presided over the vote for First Minister. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Plaid leader Rhun ap Iorwerth was successfully appointed as the next First Minister of Wales, the first person not to be from Labour to hold the role in the history of devolution.
Mr Irranca-Davies told the Senedd: “I pledge to work with every member of the Senedd to ensure that our Senedd meets the high expectations on this institution.
“That the Senedd is relevant to every part of Wales, engages with everyone in Wales and our democracy is strengthened through our common interest and efforts as parliamentarians.
“I will carry out this role with openness and collaboration, fairness and impartiality.
“I am always keen to ensure this Senedd and all of us who have the privilege of representing our constituents do so with respect for each other in the way that we engage and debate. With respect for our democratic processes and respect for the people of Wales in all our great and glorious diversity.”
His appointment was, however, called a “stitch up” by Conservative group leader, Darren Millar.
He criticised Plaid and Labour “working together”. Mr Millar criticised Labour and Plaid saying “in no other parliament” would a deputy First Minister get to go into the Llywydd chair.
He sayid it should not be a “consolation prize” and that Mr Irranca-Davies would have to “earn the respect” of his group.
It demonstrated, he said, “very clearly the old adage remains true now as it ever was. Vote Labour get Plaid. Vote Plaid, get Labour”.
