James Evans MS has reiterated his opposition of the Welsh Government’s plans to increase the number of MS’s after a debate on the Senedd Reform bill yesterday afternoon.
The Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill, supported by Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru, proposes a series of changes which will see the number of members increase from 60 to 96, and a new voting system which removes the option for people to pick their preferred candidate, instead listing only the parties they belong to.
James has consistently voiced opposition to these plans, believing money spent on more politicians will take away vital funding from frontline services that need it the most.
The Welsh Conservatives sought to introduce a recall mechanism, a flexible candidate-based voting system and to ensure a referendum is held for the people of Wales to have the final say – but these amendments were not passed.
James has previously voiced concerns on the plans to introduce a closed list system and how it could undermine elections and weaken democracy in Wales.
James Evans MS said:
“I am increasingly concerned by the haste at which Welsh Labour and Plaid Cymru are pushing through with their plans to increase the number of Senedd members. With the cost of living still high, It’s telling that the Welsh Government believe now is the correct time to waste tax-payer money on another of their vanity projects.
“Many of my constituents have told me they do not support having more politicians in Cardiff Bay. The Welsh Government should be focused on improving our schools, cutting NHS waiting times and supporting local businesses at a time they need it most.
“The amendments put forward by Darren Millar MS were the only way to ensure our democracy remained robust, and one which respected the voice of the people of Wales. I am disappointed that these plans are one step closer to becoming a reality.”
