Pay rises for Welsh politicians in 2026

SENEDD members will secure pay rises ranging from £12,000 to £25,000 in the next term starting in May, compared with salaries paid after the previous election in 2021.

- STAFF REPORTER

The Senedd's independent remuneration board has confirmed the base salary for politicians will be £79,817 after the 2026 election, up from £67,694 at the start of term. Members' pay was frozen in 2020/21 and rises have since been linked to an index of average earnings.

Politicians who hold additional offices will see even larger leaps. The first minister was paid £147,983 five years ago but the salary will be £173,600 in 2026 more than £25,000 higher.

Cabinet ministers will earn £124,713, an increase of £19,000 on 2021, while deputy ministers' pay will rise by more than £16,000 to £106,008.

Pay for the speaker or Llywydd will go from £110,987 to £130,949 between the start of the sixth and seventh Senedd terms. Meanwhile, the deputy speaker's wages will grow from £89,846 to £106,008 and Senedd commissioners will earn £96,029 - up from £81,390. Committee chairs will also earn £96,029 following a rise in excess of £14,000.