Politics

Supreme Court looms as gender quotas bill progresses

Published

2 years ago

July 17, 2024

PLANS to introduce gender quotas in Senedd elections moved a step closer amid concerns the bill is “highly likely” to be challenged in the Supreme Court.

Senedd members agreed the general principles of the gender quotas bill, which would require at least half of a political party’s candidates to be women.

Jane Hutt reiterated her position Wales has the necessary powers to pass the bill but confirmed implementation would be delayed until the 2030 election.

She said the plans were pushed back due to concerns about the potential impact of legal challenges on the conduct and outcome of the 2026 election.

Ms Hutt, who is in charge of the bill, said the landmark legislation would make the Senedd more effective as well as more reflective of the people it serves.

Adam Price, who represents Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, urged the Welsh Government to work with Labour colleagues in Westminster to grant Wales the required powers.

The former Plaid Cymru leader said an order – under section 109 of the 2006 Government of Wales Act – could bring the bill within the Welsh Parliament’s scope.

Mr Price argued a section 109 order would take the reasons the Welsh Government has given for delaying implementation to 2030 off the table completely.

He asked: “Why couldn’t we apply for that order in council today, from a Labour government at Westminster, so that we can have a gender-balanced parliament in 2026?”

Ms Hutt replied that a section 109 order would not put the question of whether the Senedd has powers beyond doubt, nor remove the risk of referral to the Supreme Court.

David Rees, who chaired the Senedd reform committee tasked with scrutinising the bill, raised witnesses’ concerns that gender quotas could be susceptible to abuse.

He reiterated calls for any false statement on nomination forms to be an electoral offence, a committee recommendation that was rejected by the Welsh Government.

The Labour backbencher said the committee heard conflicting views on whether the Senedd has the necessary powers but most evidence from legal advisers suggested it does not.

In a letter to MSs when the bill was introduced in March, Elin Jones explained her position that the bill relates to a reserved matter and is not within the Senedd’s powers.

The Senedd’s speaker or Llywydd said her view was based on legal tests and advice as she stressed that the question can only be definitely answered by the Supreme Court.

Mike Hedges, chair of the Senedd legislation committee, warned the bill could give the Welsh Government a “blank cheque” to legislate on some electoral matters.

Outlining his committee’s recommendations, he raised concern about the balance between the details in the bill itself and those that will be left to subordinate legislation.

Mr Hedges, a Labour backbencher who represents Swansea East, was disappointed by a decision to curtail scrutiny of the bill – only for the “stage-one” debate to be delayed.

Peredur Owen Griffiths, who chairs the finance committee, raised concerns about the unquantified cost of the bill being referred to the Supreme Court.

The Plaid Cymru politician pointed out that this is the first time the Llywydd has issued a statement that a bill would not be within powers.

Darren Millar, for the Conservatives, opposed the bill and the principle of gender quotas, arguing the proposed system is neither proportionate nor appropriate.

He said the reform committee heard the bill is highly likely to be challenged in the courts.

The Tory told the Senedd the bill bears little resemblance to the initial plan for gender-zipped lists which was “hatched” in a Labour-Plaid Cymru agreement.

He said the system would allow political parties to put forward lists of candidates that could be 100% female but only a maximum of up to 50% male.

Mr Millar, who represents Clwyd West, warned the bill pits one aspect of diversity, gender, against others “which are completely ignored” such as disability, age, faith and race.

Heledd Fychan, for Plaid Cymru, told the chamber gender equality is vital for a healthy and functioning democracy, expressing disappointment at the delay.

Picking up on comments from Mr Millar about people being elected on merit, the South Wales Central representative said: “We are not in an equal society; there are so many barriers that stop women from being able to be appointed to a myriad of different roles.”

Ms Fychan said the problem is not unique to Wales, with only six countries having a 50% or higher proportion of women in their parliaments.

“At the current rate … gender parity won’t be achieved globally until 2063 at the earliest,” she said, adding that female politicians face terrifying levels of hate, sexism and harassment.

Ms Fychan called on the Welsh Government to unequivocally demand the relevant powers.

Carolyn Thomas, a Labour backbencher who represents North Wales, said she once believed in meritocracy but she has experienced unconscious bias “time and time again”.

Rhys ab Owen, an ex-barrister who sits as an independent, raised concerns about “weak” wording, such as the use of “may” rather than “must” in section 71 of the bill.

Ms Hutt, who is chief whip and Trefnydd, the Welsh Government’s business manager, said ministers are considering the section 109 route but she stressed it is not straightforward.

Following the July 16 debate, MSs voted 39-14 in favour of the general principles of the bill, which now moves to the first amending phase in the Senedd’s four-stage legislative process.

If passed, the counsel general or attorney general – the Welsh and UK Government’s chief legal advisers, respectively – have four weeks to refer the bill to the Supreme Court.

Business

Pembroke South Quay boat shed expansion plans submitted

Published

3 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PADDLEBOARDING and canoeing company’s call for an extension to a boat shed at Pembroke’s South Quay, below its historic castle, has been submitted to county planners.

In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, G Booth of Paddle West CIC, through agent James Dwyer Associates, seeks permission for an extension to the stone-built boathouse, adjacent to the cliff on South Quay fronting the Mill Pond, Pembroke.

A supporting statement says: “It is intended to erect a single storey ‘lean-to’ building, or ‘shed’ for the storage of boats, such as canoes and kayaks, and related equipment, on a vacant space adjacent to the existing stone-built boathouse.”

It adds: “The boathouse and the intended adjacent boat storage shed is located, as is to be expected, in close proximity to water, the Mill Pond. The Mill Pond is the main area of activity for Paddle West, a Community Interest Company, providing boating activities, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, frequently for young people and families.”

It goes on to say: “It is intended that the structure would be lightweight, erected on the exiting hard standing. The ‘shed’ would be used for the storage of boats and related equipment.”

With regard to the historic setting, it adds: “Although the stone-built boathouse appears not to be listed, it is recognised that the walls above are listed and together they are a piece.

“Accordingly, through form and external materials proposed, timber cladding and profile sheet roofing, the aim is to ensure that the structure would be subservient and muted and not detract or compete with the visual aesthetic of the boathouse or historic walls. In effect the addition would blend into the background.”

The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.

The boathouse is sited near to the new Henry Tudor Centre in South Quay, which is due to open in Spring 2027.

The centre, expected to receive around 30,000 visitors a year, will tell the story of Henry Tudor, son of Pembroke, his Welsh ancestry and his impact on our national story, Welsh culture and our wider British heritage.

The restored derelict South Quay buildings will also house a new library and community café, and a healthcare, social services and supported employment facility in the adjoining premises.

Community

First person of colour to be elected mayor of Haverfordwest

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE town council will soon have its first-ever person of colour as mayor, and its youngest mayor in a century.

Haverfordwest Town Councillor Randell Iziah Thomas-Turner, aged 37, is to become mayor this May.

Cllr Turner said: “Tonight [March 19], I had the honour of accepting the nomination as mayor-elect — a moment that will forever stay with me.

“In doing so, I am humbled to be making history as the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest and the youngest mayor in a century. This is not just my achievement, it belongs to every person who believes in progress, representation, and the power of community. This is a new chapter for our town — one built on unity, opportunity, and hope.

“My mayor-making will take place this May, and I cannot wait to officially step into the role and begin serving the people of Haverfordwest with pride, passion, and purpose. Haverfordwest is the best in the West — and together, we are just getting started.

“Diversity is not a challenge to overcome, but a strength to embrace. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together with respect and openness, we unlock new ideas, stronger solutions, and deeper understanding.”

It’s a double celebration for the Thomas-Turner family.

Wife, and fellow town councillor, Dani, has been voted as sheriff of the town for the second-year-running, the first woman to serve as sheriff for two consecutive years.

“The coming civic year will be one to watch as my husband Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner is becoming the first mayor of colour in Haverfordwest’s history,” said Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, adding: “It’s going to be a year of history and memory making for sure.”

Business

Pembrokeshire hospitality rates relief scheme backed

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A WELSH Government-funded scheme to provide rates relief for hospitality businesses has been backed by senior Pembrokeshire councillors.

A report for members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet at their March meeting said: “Welsh Government has introduced the Food and Drink Hospitality Rates Relief, this relief is aimed at eligible businesses in Wales in the food and drink hospitality sector for example, pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and live music venues.

“The aim of the relief is to support eligible businesses to manage continued cost pressures. The relief will apply to all eligible occupied properties by offering a discount of 15 per cent on non-domestic rate bills for the period April 1 to March 31, 2027. The relief is capped at £110,000 per business across Wales.

“As this is a temporary measure, Welsh Government is providing the relief by reimbursing local authorities that use their discretionary relief powers under Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.”

It concluded: “The food and drink hospitality rates relief 2026-27 requires the local authority to adopt a discretionary scheme [as outlined] and in accordance with the criteria and conditions specified in the guidance issued by Welsh Government.

“It is proposed that Cabinet resolve to adopt [the scheme] which can be applied to administer the relief. Welsh Government will reimburse local authorities for the relief provided in line with their guidance via a grant under section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003.”

Members backed the recommendation.

All eligible businesses must apply for this relief by the March 31, 2027, and an application form will be available on the council’s website from the April 1.

The maximum cash value of the rates relief allowed, across all properties in Wales occupied by the same business should not exceed £110,000. Businesses claiming the relief must declare that the amount being claimed does not exceed those limits.