SCECLB133 Scott Cairns

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 Scott Cairns | Evidence from Scott Cairns

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)?

Disagree. It must be made up the best candidates regardless of their identity.

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

It is not necessary and just another layer of bureaucracy (and cost). Let the people vote for the best candidate not the best woman.

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 idea of quotas appals me. It must be the best candidate not the best woman.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Yes, risk pf discrimination against the best candidate. The public are at risk of receiving a 2nd best government due to you discriminating against the men, who may be (not always) the best candidate.

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

Utterly stupid to add additional costs to the tax payer to fund such an unnecessary change.

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 have too much power as it is. They don't need more.

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

Yes, it's discrimination against nearly 50% of the population. Shameful.

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

The welsh government is of very poor quality therefore it goes hand in hand that the legislation will be poor.

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 unnecessary, discriminatory, and risks providing an even lower level of competence if it means the it is not the best candidate who is selected.

Anything else?

...and we don't need another 30 plus members of the Senedd either.