(1)This section applies where under section 10 of the Government of Wales Act 2006 (“the 2006 Act”), an election is to be held to fill a vacant seat of a constituency member (“the election”).
(2)The Presiding Officer may, where a date has been fixed for the poll for the election, fix a later date (which may be outwith the period required under section 10(5) or (6) of the 2006 Act).
(3)The Presiding Officer must fix a date under subsection (2) for the poll for the election to be held as soon as reasonably practicable.
(4)The power under subsection (2)—
(a)may be exercised more than once,
(b)may not be exercised so as to fix a date for the poll for the election that is within the period mentioned in 10(7) of the 2006 Act, and
(c)may not be exercised so as to fix a date after 6 May 2021.
(5)Before exercising the power under subsection (2), the Presiding Officer must consult the Welsh Ministers.