SCECLB48 Michael Hooton

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 Michael Hooton | Evidence from Michael Hooton

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 principle of equality of opportunity should be sacrosanct, and should be applied irrespective of gender, sexuality, race or religion. However, force-fitting 'equality' by quota systems will not deliver the best representatives for the people of Wales. Candidates for each party should be selected and ranked by ability. The small-print of allowing men to 'self-identify' as women, and therefore potentially take the place of a biological woman is an absolute travesty.

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

Absolutely ludicrous. Women are women - biologically. A woman does not have a penis. Men cannot become women, and self-identification opens a huge can of worms. The whole electoral process could become a farce.

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?

Common sense.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

A number of male representatives masquerading as female representatives who will turn the Welsh Assembly into a laughing stock rather than an effective instrument of government.

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

Totally inadequate. An utter waste of public money that should be spent on the woefully inadequate health service in Wales.

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 proposed electoral system is dreadful and Should be changed. Shame on Plaid for not opposing it, even though they disagree. The poor saps believe they will be able to change it after the 2026 elections - as if any members of Senedd will vote to potentially do themselves out of a job!

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

On the showing so far, the Senedd is pretty poor. The governing party has failed dismally on core areas of responsibility such as Health and Education, while virtue-signalling on matters that do not impact the overwhelming majority of the people of Wales, and wasting public money on 20mph speed limits, Senedd expansion and waging war on Welsh farmers.

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

It is rubbish.