SCECLB107 Cath Mudford

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 Cath Mudford | Evidence from Cath Mudford

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)?

This legislation potentially limits the female participation in the Senedd by forcing it to be 50% maximum and it is sex make-up not gender. I want to pick individuals from list not have a preordained order applied

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

If anyone can claim to be a woman and it has to be taken at face value, the 50% gender makeup is just a mockery. I see the bill does not define what a woman is because it’s not within the Senedd competency to do so.

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 agree with the Llywydd that the Senedd does not have the right to implement this bill as the matters have not been devolved from Westminster

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Women’s participation capped at 50% regardless of competence of candidate

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

I don’t believe they have considered the fact that this bill is beyond their jurisdiction

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 much has been left off the face of the bill

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

As stated previously I do not believe the Senedd has legislative competence in this matter

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

If you don’t define a woman and allow anyone to state they are one with no checks, the legislation is laughable