SCECLB219 Nicholas Thompson

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 Nicholas Thompson | Evidence from Nicholas Thompson

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)?

I am opposed to this Bill. I believe that tying the effectiveness of a body to its gender make-up is a flawed idea and will lead to quota-based positions that have the potential to exclude those with merit of either gender.

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

This system is open to exploitation as is completely unnecessary. A candidate's gender should be completely irrelevant. Further, requiring a statement of being a woman or not a woman is confusing.

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?

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

This has the potential to reduce the total quality of the legislature by excluding excess candidates in order to fulfill a quota. Candidates should be put forward solely on merit and not on gender.

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?

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

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

This is far too loosely worded.