SCECLB70 Brian Hughes

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 Brian Hughes | Evidence from Brian Hughes

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)?

The general idea of selecting members of the Senedd based on any other quality than their competence is appalling and undemocratic. As a voter, I want to select my representatives based on their ability, commitment and, most importantly, their views on key political topics.

The closed list system is wide open to abuse, allowing party leaders to stack the Senedd with 'yes men' to do as they are told. With no accountability to the public

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

Utter stupidity! So open to abuse and an affront to all the genuine women and trans women who already have to struggle to achieve. Selection for any position, in any industry must be completely gender neutral. i.e. a person's gender, or gender identity must not even be considered as a selection criteria

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?

This is a huge change to the established voting methods in Wales. As such it must be voted for by the people of Wales. Either via a referendum or as a clear manifesto promise of the elected government.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Protests and even riots are possible

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

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?

Welsh ministers are overstepping their authority. This bill should be cancelled in its entirety until a clear vote in favour is received from the electorate

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

The bill seeks to remove powers from the electorate and give overarching authority to party leaders. That cannot be legally acceptable

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

From a layman's view, this bill is full of terrible ideas and open to all sorts of abuse of power.

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

In my opinion, this bill is about stealing the freedom of choice from the voters and loading the Senedd with sycophants who will serve the political party, not the public. It will encourage less competent and less publicly motivated people to become MSs.

Anything else?

We have seen protests about speed limits, protests by farmers - this may be one step too far and lead to the end of the devolved Senedd