Having won 30 out of the 60 seats available in the 2003 general election and with the non-voting Presiding Officer and Deputy both coming from the opposition,[1] the Labour party were able to form a majority government with 30 seats to the opposition's 28[2] with Rhodri Morgan continuing as First Minister.

Two members of the National Assembly were elected to the UK Parliament at the 2005 UK general election (David Davies and Peter Law) reducing the collective strength of the opposition for day-to-day business.

The final budget of this Assembly term passed following an agreement with Plaid during which their 11 voting members abstained.

[3] Chief Whip Following a mid-term re-shuffle in September 2005 Jane Hutt was removed from her post as Health and Social Care Minister after controversy over long waiting lists and criticism from AMs [4] to Minister for Assembly Business along with the additional responsibilities of Equalities & Children.

Karen Sinclair remained as Chief Whip to the Labour party allowing her to stay in the cabinet as an observer.