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