The Welsh Government has decided to abandon plans aimed at promoting better gender equality in the Senedd. Originally, there was a headline pledge to increase diversity in politics by ensuring equal numbers of men and women are put forward by political parties for election. These plans were part of the changes being made to the Senedd, including increasing the number of members from 60 to 96 and changing the voting system.
Initially, the plan included a provision for parties to present an even split of candidates based on gender. However, a dispute arose over whether Wales had the authority to enforce such a requirement, leading to the decision to separate the bills. The bill related to increasing Senedd members and changing the voting process has already been passed for implementation by 2026. On the other hand, the bill concerning gender quotas was proceeding separately with a target to be in effect by 2030.
Presiding Officer Elin Jones had expressed doubts about the Senedd’s power to enact the new law, a view that was contested by the Welsh Government. Concerns were raised about potential legal challenges if the law was pursued, leading to its abandonment under Eluned Morgan’s administration.
In a statement, Trefnydd Jane Hutt explained that after reflection over the summer, the government decided to withdraw the bill for further consideration by the Senedd. Although the gender parity bill has been scrapped, the Welsh Government noted that parties are not prevented from independently striving for gender balance.
While Plaid Cymru confirmed plans to pursue equally balanced gender lists for the 2026 election, Welsh Conservative Darren Millar described the abandoned gender equality plan as divisive and inevitable to be dropped. Millar emphasized that his party would continue to select candidates based on merit and as chosen by voters.
Additionally, plans to incorporate international human rights treaties into Welsh law by 2026, despite a manifesto commitment, will no longer be brought forward as originally intended. Labour’s 2021 Senedd manifesto pledged to include United Nations conventions on rights of disabled people and elimination of discrimination against women, but the plan has been postponed to introduce the legislation before the election in May 2026.
Prof. Simon Hoffman, specializing in human rights law at Swansea University, led research in 2021 on advancing equality and human rights in Wales, proposing a Welsh human rights bill and making 40 recommendations. However, due to incomplete preparatory work, legislation on UN treaties is not expected to be introduced in the current Senedd term.
In conclusion, the Welsh Government’s decision to abandon plans for gender equality quotas in the Senedd and postpone the incorporation of international human rights treaties into Welsh law reflects a significant shift in policy direction. Despite these developments, political parties like Plaid Cymru are independently pursuing gender balance measures, highlighting ongoing efforts towards achieving greater diversity and equality in Welsh politics.