Jane Hutt 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.