MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social
Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip: I have asked my officials to
begin work on reviewing our Diversity and Inclusion
Guidance for Political Parties. The Elections and
Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024 requires Welsh Ministers to
review the guidance from time to time, having regard to the cycle
of Senedd and local elections.
This guidance, which we published for the first time last March,
underlines our commitment to diversity and inclusion as we aspire
to political institutions that are truly representative of the
people of Wales.
The purpose of this initial review will be to look at the content
of the guidance to reflect the passage of time since it was first
published in March last year, ensuring that it remains accurate
and up to date to support political parties standing candidates
in the local government elections in 2027.
As part of the review, officials will be working with key
stakeholders and partners to ensure that the refreshed guidance
reflects the latest information and advice in terms of support
schemes and guidance available for candidates, including where
this can help parties to identify and remove barriers that may
discourage people from standing for election.
It is anticipated that the refreshed guidance will be available
in the autumn, allowing the next Welsh Government to consider the
outcome of that work, and take stock of the Diversity and
Inclusion Strategies published by political parties and the
publication of candidate diversity information following the 2026
election. Beginning this work now will ensure the latest guidance
is available for political parties in good time ahead of the
local government elections.
