Commission for Wales’ constitutional future is announced

THE members of a new commission looking at Wales’ future have been announced – and it includes some familiar faces.

Former Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood and former Liberal Democrat MS Kirsty Williams join Albert Owen, who was MP for Ynys Mon, on the committee.

Ms Wood lost her seat in the 2021 election while Ms Williams, who had served in Welsh Government as the education minister, chose to stand down.

Mr Owen stood down in 2019. Last month, Professor Laura McAllist er and Dr Rowan Williams were confirmed as the co-chairmen of the commission which will make recommendations about Wales’ future, looking at “fundamental reform” of the constitutional structures of the UK in which Wales remains an integral part, and it will also consider all progressive options to strengthen Welsh democracy.

Prof McAllister has already said that independence will be one of the options being looked at.

The full list of committee members is:

Dr Anwen Elias, a Reader in Politics at Aberystwyth University.

Miguela Gonzalez, a diversity and inclusion practitioner and a former journalist.

Michael Marmot, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at University College London and director of the UCL Institute of Health Equity.

Lauren McEvatt, a former Conservative UK Government special adviser to the Wales Office, during the coalition administration, when she worked on the Silk Commission and the Wales Act 2014.

Albert Owen, former Labour MP for Ynys Mon from 2001 to 2019.

Philip Rycroft, a civil servant for 30 years.

Shavanah Taj, Wales TUC’s first BME General Secretary.

Kirsty Williams, former Member of the Senedd and minister for education in the Welsh Government.

Leanne Wood, former Member of the Senedd for Rhondda and former leader of Plaid Cymru.

The commission will meet for the first time on November 25.

Counsel General Mick Antoniw said: “Each commissioner brings with them different strengths, knowledge, experience and perspectives. They are drawn from across Wales, across the UK, and further afield and from across the political spectrum. Collectively, the commissioners combine the academic rigor and the alternative perspectives the commission will need to think creatively and radically about Wales’ future.

“I encourage everyone to engage with the commission and join the national conversation about our constitutional future.”