SCECLB27 Stephen Williams

Senedd Cymru | Welsh Parliament

Y Pwyllgor Biliau Diwygio | Reform Bill Committee

Bil Senedd Cymru (Rhestrau Ymgeiswyr Etholiadol)| Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill

Ymateb gan Stephen Williams | Evidence from Stephen Williams

What are your views on the general principles of the Bill and the need for legislation to deliver the Welsh Government’s stated policy objective (to make the Senedd a more effective legislature by ensuring it is broadly representative of the gender make-up of the population)?

For the future prosperity of Wales the most important consideration is that we have the best people in positions of power, regardless of their gender or any other characteristics. Those best to lead Wales must be the natural choice else Wales will fall even further behind the rest of the UK.

What are your views on the system of enforcement and potential sanctions for non-compliance proposed in the Bill?

Enforcement smacks of communism to be frank .

Are there any potential barriers to the implementation of the Bill’s provisions? If so, what are they, and are they adequately taken into account in the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum and Regulatory Impact Assessment?

Remember that less than half of Welsh people voted in the last elections, compared with over 60% in the Scottish equivalent. Your main aim should be to encourage voting through the best people being given a platform and not submitting Welsh people to a numbers game.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Indeed, substandard people will be put forward that will disinterest voters and result in a less effective Senedd.

What are your views on the Welsh Government’s assessment of the financial and other impacts of the Bill?

I’ve no real thoughts on this.

What are your views on the balance between the information contained on the face of the Bill and what is left to subordinate legislation? Are the powers for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation appropriate?

Do you have any views on matters relating to the legislative competence of the Senedd including compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights?

It’s not about the ECHR but about getting the best people to lead Wales regardless of their sex or other characteristics.

Do you have any views on matters related to the quality of the legislation, or to the constitutional or other implications of the Bill?

The focus is wrong, it’s about a numbers game rather than the quality of our politicians.