MOVES to change local election rules in Wales to make them the same as the Senedd’s was launched today.

The Welsh government is consulting on its changes which are planned to come into effect for the local elections in Wales in 2027.

Key proposals include updating the rules to ensure they are fully bilingual, and ensure candidates can take appropriate security measures while maintaining fair and transparent campaign spending rules.

Local Government Cabinet Secretary Jayne Bryant said: “These proposed changes will modernise our local election rules and ensure consistency across all Welsh elections.

“Crucially, they recognise that no candidate should have to choose between their safety and their ability to campaign and this meets a key recommendation from the Jo Cox Foundation’s report on tackling abuse and intimidation.”

Wales Local Government Association’s Councillor Lis Burnett said: “Nobody should feel at risk by deciding to serve their community.

“These proposed changes will help make local democracy safer and more accessible for everyone.”