Llywydd of the Senedd

The Llywydd (Welsh:), or Presiding Officer in English, is the speaker of the Senedd in Wales, elected by members of the Senedd to chair their meetings (plenary sessions); to maintain order; and to protect the rights of Members.

The Llywydd also heads the Corporate Body (known as the Senedd Commission) and as such is viewed as a figurehead for the entire organisation. At least one Deputy Presiding Officer (Welsh: Dirprwy Lywydd; also known as a Deputy Llywydd), and up to two, are also elected to help fulfil the role. The office of the Llywydd is based in Tŷ Hywel and is also responsible for the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay. In their roles, neither the Llywydd nor the Deputy Presiding Officer(s) are allowed to participate in Senedd votes, except where legislation requires those votes to be passed by two-thirds of all Members.