SCECLB409 Darren Matthews

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 Darren Matthews | Evidence from Darren Matthews

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 wholly against this bill and the Welsh Government's policy objective.  We used to live in a democracy but with one party dominating for quarter of a century with little chance of being replaced, we are living under a dictatorship.  Voters must know who could potentially be representing them in government and they must be able to choose who they want regardless of background, gender, sex, colour etc... We must not force a gender mix. We need the right people for the job and not just someone who  ticks a box. I will not have any respect for a person who allows themselves to be put forward to tick a box. Our Senedd is already riddled with incompetence.

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

This is tantamount to a dictatorship. Our senedd has lost a lot of respect and credibility. This will make the even worse.

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?

Yes. We end up with a tick box senedd filled with people who only got there because they are met criteria other than being fit for the role.

Also, parties can fill the senedd with yes people and thus stifle proper debate.

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

They are not realistic. They are underestimating the impact. It sounds like another biased consultant has had their hand in it just like with the reports on 20mph being produced by a Labour activist. This sort of activity and representation undermines the Senedd.

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?

No.

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

The senedd is incompetent. It produces ill thought out legislation. I don't want anymore law making powers going to the senedd until they can behave in a grown up, sensible manner producing well composed legislation that is relevant and focuses on the priorities of the people of Wales.

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'll be a car crash no doubt.

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

Anything else?

This bill needs to be consigned to the bin