SCECLB390 Paul Roberts

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 Paul Roberts | Evidence from Paul Roberts

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 disagree the proposal and believe that we should have the best candidate for the job, not based on gender quotas. Separately, I do agree with woman being listed first in the list.

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

I disagree a role should be created for the purpose of candidate gender confirmation and to propose such illustrates how out of touch the Welsh labour government are at a time of real hardship amongst the electorate, with some families struggling to put food on the table.

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?

None

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

Additional cost of administration of the changes and discrimination against males where, on balance they are the right candidate for the job but the wrong gender.

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

I believe that in a cost of living crisis, the worst healthcare performance, highest levels of child poverty, lowest economic performance at a time when the Welsh labour government has wasted hundreds of millions of pounds, you should re-think your priority list and get on with turning around the fortunes of was and the people you serve regardless of gender or gender identity.

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?

I believe the current level of power to be 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?

Sadly I have little faith in the Welsh labour governments legislative competence to prioritise the actions need to move wales forwards.

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

Nothing to add

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

Positive discrimination is still discrimination and alternate routes for encouraging females into political roles should be identified.