The current Senedd will officially end on 8 April 2026 - this is known as dissolution.
What is ‘dissolution’ and what does it mean?
Dissolution is the period between the formal end of a parliamentary term, and the start of a new parliamentary term, following an election.
After this date all Senedd business ends, including meetings, committee work, and any draft laws in progress.
When the Senedd is dissolved, all seats in the Senedd become vacant.
When does dissolution start?
The first day of dissolution is 8 April 2026.
What happened on the last day of Plenary?
The last day of Plenary (when all Members meet) was Wednesday 25 March.
The last session included farewell contributions from some Members who are not seeking re-election. You can read Members’ contributions in the Record of Proceedings or watch the session on Senedd.tv
Are Members still Members during dissolution?
No. All seats become vacant and Members stop representing their constituencies or regions. They cannot use the title of MS.
There is no access to the Senedd estate for former Members and their staff (except Continuing Office Holders).
On the first day of dissolution Members’ names, biographies and any contact information published on the Senedd website will be moved to a new section: Elected Members - Sixth Senedd (2021-2026).
What is the role of Continuing Office Holders?
Certain roles continue through dissolution to ensure the country keeps running smoothly and to respond to any urgent issues of national importance.
For the Senedd: the Presiding Officer (Llywydd) and Senedd Commissioners.
For Welsh Government: the First Minister, all Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers, and the Counsel General.
Does the Welsh Government remain in place?
Yes. Ministers stay in their roles in a limited ‘caretaker’ capacity until a new First Minister is chosen and new Ministers are appointed.
During this time, Welsh Government Ministers must follow the rules on political activity set out in pre‑election guidance.
Is the Senedd empty during dissolution?
No. While official Senedd business pauses during dissolution, Senedd staff are busy working to make sure everything is ready for the arrival of new Members of the Senedd in May.
Read more in our Behind the Scenes staff blog.
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