WQ92073 (e) Tabled on 14/03/2024

Will the Minister list all organisations consulted and evidence gathered as part of the process taken to establish whether the Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidate Lists) Bill is within the legislative competence of the Senedd?

Answered by Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip | Answered on 21/03/2024

The Explanatory Memorandum published alongside the Senedd Cymru (Electoral Candidates Lists) Bill provides a detailed account of the evidence and research relating to the purpose of the Bill, which is to make the Senedd a more effective legislature for, and behalf of, the people of Wales by broadly reflecting the gender make-up of the population.

The Explanatory Memorandum states that no formal consultation has been undertaken by the Welsh Government in advance of the Bill’s introduction, but that targeted engagement with key delivery partners has taken place. The Explanatory Memorandum also identifies the specific stakeholders who have been involved.

This work is being carried out in collaboration with Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, leader of Plaid Cymru, as part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.