Written Statement: Publication of research report: Research into the Socio-Economic Influences on Democratic Participation in Wales

On 4 April, I issued a Written Statement announcing research into the socio-economic influences on democratic participation in Wales. The aim was to better understand barriers to political engagement and to encourage broader participation in the democratic process. 

The Research into the Socio-Economic Influences of Democratic Participation in Wales involved engaging with a wide range of people from public and third sector organisations, as well as elected representatives, to ensure a diversity of perspectives.

Key barriers identified include:

• Lack of early education in politics and limited exposure to civic life.
• Opaque party selection procedures and complex electoral regulations.
• Limited access to influential political networks and time constraints for campaigning.
• Financial insecurity, especially for candidates who lose their seats.
• Discrimination and hostility particularly affect individuals from minority backgrounds or with protected characteristics.

While elected representatives did not report hostility during fieldwork, experts and practitioners highlighted the persistence of stereotypes and prejudice among electorates and selectorates.

In response to these findings, the report proposed 12 recommendations, including:

• Expanding mentoring and training programmes such as Equal Power Equal Voice.
• Improving public guidance on standing for election.
• Enhancing civic engagement initiatives.
• Providing practical support such as childcare, virtual access to meetings, and financial assistance for candidates with caring responsibilities.
• Addressing cultural and employment-related barriers through outreach and a 'Right to Run' policy.
• Recognising elected service as a valuable skill applicable across life and work.
• Conducting a targeted review of candidate abuse to inform future strategies for tackling intimidation and hostility in politics.

A number of the recommendations build upon existing initiatives, while others propose new approaches to tackle issues raised in the report.

I am now considering how the outcome of this report can inform future work in this area.