Decision details

Nomination of First Minister under Standing Order 8

Decision Maker: Plenary - Fifth Senedd

Is Key decision?: Yes

Purpose:

The Assembly is required to nominate a First Minister within 28 days of an Assembly election.

 

Nominations for the appointment of First Minister can take place during the first Plenary meeting after an election or at any subsequent Plenary meeting, subject to the Assembly resolving to do so. The Assembly will be invited by the Presiding Officer to agree that nominations take place. If any Member objects, an electronic vote will be called. Nomination proceedings will only take place if a majority of Members voting agree.

Decisions:

The item started at 13.30.

The Presiding Officer resumed the nomination of the First Minister under Standing Order 8 that was adjourned at the meeting on 11 May 2016.  

The Presiding Officer asked for the nominations of Carwyn Jones and Leanne Wood to be confirmed.

Rhun ap Iorwerth withdrew the nomination of Leanne Wood.

 

Point of Order

Mark Reckless raised a point of order regarding the withdrawal of Leanne Wood’s nomination as First Minister quoting Standing Order 8.3 that a further vote by roll call must take place should there be an equality of votes. The Presiding Officer ruled that it would be unreasonable to force someone who no longer wished to be nominated as First Minister to be a candidate and that there is no provision in Standing Orders to re-open nominations once closed.

 

In accordance with Section 47 (4) of the Government of Wales Act the Presiding Officer stated her intention to recommend to Her Majesty the appointment of Carwyn Jones as First Minister. 

The Presiding Officer invited Carwyn Jones to address the Assembly, followed by leaders of the opposition parties.

 

Publication date: 18/05/2016

Date of decision: 18/05/2016

Decided at meeting: 18/05/2016 - Plenary - Fifth Senedd