3(1)After each ordinary election the Assembly shall consult—
(a)local authorities in Wales, and
(b)associations of local authorities in Wales,
about the membership of the Partnership Council.
(2)The consultation required by sub-paragraph (1) shall include consultation about—
(a)the number of persons to be appointed under paragraph (a) of sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 2,
(b)the number of persons to be appointed under paragraph (b) of that sub-paragraph, and
(c)in relation to each of the descriptions of authorities within paragraphs (b), (c), (d) and (e) of section 113(7), the number of members of an authority of that description to be appointed.
(3)When consulting authorities and associations under sub-paragraph (1), the Assembly shall invite them to make, within a period specified by the Assembly, nominations of persons for appointment to membership of the Partnership Council under paragraph 2(1)(b).
(4)The appointments shall be made from among those nominated in accordance with the invitation except to the extent that the number of persons so nominated is insufficient to produce the number of members required.
(5)Where a casual vacancy arises among the members of the Partnership Council appointed under paragraph 2(1)(b), the Assembly shall invite—
(a)such local authorities in Wales, and
(b)such associations of local authorities in Wales,
as the Assembly considers appropriate to make, within a period specified by the Assembly, nominations of persons for appointment under paragraph 2(1)(b) to fill the vacancy.
(6)The appointment to fill the vacancy shall be made from among those nominated in accordance with the invitation unless no-one is so nominated.
(7)Where, pursuant to sub-paragraph (4) or (6), the Assembly appoints as a member of the Partnership Council under paragraph 2(1)(b) a person nominated by an authority or association, the Assembly shall notify the authority or association of the appointment.