Written question WQ89019
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
What legal advice has the Counsel General sought in relation to the Senedd expansion proposals to introduce gender zipping for elections, and what was the outcome of this advice?
Answer
Answered by Counsel General and Minister for the Constitution
We are working to create a modern, representative Senedd which reflects the Wales we live in, which supports our democracy today and into the future. As part of our commitment to a stronger, and representative Parliament, we want a Senedd which truly reflects the people of Wales.
The recommendation in the Special Purpose Committee relating to integrated gender quotas will help us achieve this alongside the wider package of ambitious Senedd reform provided for in the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill that has been introduced today.
The Special Purpose Committee encouraged the Welsh Government to take appropriate steps to ensure that the recommendations on Senedd reform for 2026 are not put at undue risk of a Supreme Court referral. The First Minister has already indicated the intention to bring forward a separate Bill to provide for gender quotas. This approach enables the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill to focus on the majority of the other measures that are required to deliver on our ambitious plans for Senedd reform.
Legislation relating to gender representation in the Senedd is being developed and our aim is to introduce that Bill this winter. We will ensure, as we do for all Bills, that the legislation we introduce is robust and within the legislative competence of the Senedd.
This work is being carried out in collaboration with Rhun ap Iorwerth, the Plaid Cymru designated member, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.