SCECLB41 Aled 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 Aled Williams | Evidence from Aled 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)?

Although I believe that the Senedd should reflect society and so there should be a balance of male/female, I do believe in meritocracy. I am also concerned if you introduce a gender split that some parties will see a reduction in quality, based on the quality of MS's currently sitting in the Senedd (if you correlate that current MS's are the best those parties can currently field)

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

We want the best politicians in the Senedd. I think forcing the parties to comply with a quota system and enforcing it via sanctions will not give us the best politicians, merely the current proportion of male and female politicians.

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?

I see no barriers.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

I think unfortunately the consequences is that candidates will be nominated because of their gender and not on ability. I'm not sure this will lead to better MS's being elected.

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

I'm not concerned about the financial impact of increasing the number of women MS's as I'm in favour of reducing the gender imbalance. I'm not convinced this is the best way to do it.

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?

I have no views on this

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

No views

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

No views other than I disagree this is the best way to bring about gender balance