SCECLB30 Ken Tucker

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 Ken Tucker | Evidence from Ken Tucker

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)?

While the principle is well intentioned, it needs to be dropped.

Firstly creating multi constituency areas for AM elections breaks that point of contact to having a readily identifiable representative. At present I know who my AM is and can contact him if needed. This is an established idea that must be retained.

Secondly we need strong candidates to take the work of the Senedd forward and make Wales an even better place to live. By dictating that there must be equal male/female candidates doesn’t necessarily make that happen. What we want is strong candidates who will deliver for the people not a gender quota.

What if the 6 strongest candidates were all female-half would be rejected! This is not a sensible way ahead. Needs a complete rethink.

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

As I don’t agree with the idea of equal lists this is not very relevant. It gives too much power to a few people to decide gender. It brings into play personal life style choices which should have no place in voting for the best candidates- their gender  shouldn’t be of any concern-it’s the best person for the job that matters.

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?

The Senedd has not embedded itself into the hearts and minds of the wider Welsh public. It needs to concentrate its effort into showing that it does make a difference to our lives in Wales and not get lost in some ideological argument that throws up more questions that answers to the real problems we have in Wales like NHS wait times,falling education standards and councils struggling to provide essential services.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Creates gender ID problems. Makes AM’s more remote from voters as they represent a wider area.

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

Waste of money that’s better spent on core services.

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?

The whole thing is a non starter to me!

Solve the real problems of ordinary Welsh people not get lost down an ideological rabbit hole!

We need a Referendum to listen to the people. We had one to bring in the Assembly so this major proposed change should be the subject of one too.

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

Not really other than it’s a stupid idea!

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

Stop-have a referendum-listen to the people!

Are there any other issues that you would like to raise about the Bill and the accompanying Explanatory Memorandum or any related matters?

It’s not the top priority you should be looking at!

Anything else?

Ditch the idea!