SCECLB369 chris jones

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 chris jones | Evidence from chris jones

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)?

50/50 male and female is a good idea, but it must not result in an over representation of young and inexperienced  members JUST because the quota for one sex or the other needs to be bet. The BEST candidates for the job should always be a priority as in any walk of life.

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

fine

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?

As stated before. You can't force competent people of any sex to stand for election, so there should not be a consequence that somebody is selected just because of their sex requires a quota to be hit. That would dilute the competency of the Senedd.

Are any unintended consequences likely to arise from the Bill?

There should not be a consequence that somebody is selected just because of their sex requires a quota to be hit. That would dilute the competency of the Senedd. See above.

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

Why should there be any financial impact?

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?

Why is the bill focused solely on women? Surely it needs to be focused on a 50/50 ratio between men and women and should be worded as such to avoid being discriminatory. Any powers should reflect this.

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 fact that it only mentions women and not a 50/50 relationship between men and women does not fill me full of confidence that due diligence has been done.

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

See above.

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

I think it is a well meaning, but bad idea to enshrine this in law. First all parties should be asked to do this voluntarily. I fear this will be a very bad law and result in lots of money for lawyers in the not too distant future.

Anything else?

N/A