Written statement (Wales): Designation of Regional Returning Officers - May 9

Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government: I am using my powers under Article 18 of the National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 2007 to designate three of the Returning Officers for constituencies falling within a Senedd electoral region as Regional Returning Officer for that electoral region.

I am pleased to announce the Senedd Regional Returning Officer for any forthcoming Senedd by-election until May 2026 shall be:  

• North Wales - Neal Cockerton – Flintshire County Council

• South Wales East – Beverly Owen – Newport City Council

• South Wales West - Mark Shephard - Bridgend County Borough Council

In the other regions, the current Regional Returning Officers will continue in their roles. I would like to thank the outgoing officers for their service.

The Regional Returning Officers are responsible for co-ordinating arrangements for the regional poll in their respective Senedd electoral region. This will be a temporary position until May 2026, when RROs will no longer be required for the new arrangements for Senedd elections.