Articles by Jessica Blair

Author:

Jessica Blair, ERS Cymru Director

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Welsh Labour conference vote is a big boost to campaign for Senedd reform

With just 60 elected members, Wales’ Parliament has long been under-resourced. But that problem has grown as Wales acquired more responsibilities – without the representatives needed to properly scrutinise legislation. For as long as there...

Posted 16 Mar 2022

These reforms are vital for delivering better public services for Wales

Why the Senedd needs more members

Posted 13 Mar 2022

Investing in scrutiny will ensure that the Senedd better delivers for Wales

Poll finds growing support for properly equipped Senedd

Last week a new poll for the Western Mail, carried out by Beaufort Research, found that support for more members of the Senedd is on the up. Almost half (48%) of those polled said they...

Posted 09 Mar 2022

Fewer than a third disagree with a 90 member Senedd

Labour and Plaid Cymru deal is a big step forward for Wales’ democracy

This week saw a historic moment in Wales. Standing on the steps of the Senedd on Monday afternoon, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price announced The Co-operation Agreement, setting out...

Posted 23 Nov 2021

22 Welsh organisations warn voter ID plans could leave vulnerable voters locked out

At a time when we should be thinking about how to remove the barriers to our democracy, the UK Government is instead introducing a policy that could leave millions shut out. Provisions in the Elections...

Posted 14 Sep 2021

Is Westminster gearing up for a devolution battle over ‘voter suppression’ plans?

The Welsh Government has spoken out in strong terms against plans in Westminster to impose mandatory voter ID for UK elections. In a Senedd question to Wales’ Counsel General – the government’s top legal figure...

Posted 02 Jul 2021

Welsh democracy is under threat, we need more members of the Senedd now more than ever

Just a few short weeks out from the Senedd elections and it’s clear that the election campaign has now hit full swing. With polls suggesting some uncertainty parties are already setting out their stalls on...

Posted 09 Apr 2021

The Blaenau Gwent Climate Assembly is a first for Wales

This community could be about to change how communities in Wales help decide on climate policy. In just a few days time Wales will host its very first Climate Assembly. It could be a game-changer...

Posted 01 Mar 2021

This assembly has real clout and major backing

Right to scrap First Past the Post won for Welsh councils

UPDATE: On Wednesday 21st January, the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Bill became law after receiving Royal Assent. Now the campaign begins to ensure councils in Wales sign up to a fairer voting system, and...

Posted 18 Nov 2020

Welsh Parliament to vote on letting councils scrap first past the post

Local government is one of our most important layers of representation, delivering everyday frontline services such as social care and waste collection. Yet, for many people local government doesn’t feel that representative and that’s because...

Posted 17 Nov 2020