Establishment of Elections Planning Group

In 2003 I asked the Electoral Commission to produce a report on the 2004 local elections in Wales.  The report was commissioned to set a benchmark for elections in Wales and was the first by the Electoral Commission on local elections in the UK. That report, entitled ‘Local Elections in Wales 2004’ was published in December 2004.

I would like to thank the Electoral Commission for their hard work and for producing a comprehensive document of results and analysis which examines in detail many aspects of the elections.
One of the recommendations in the report is for the establishment of an all Wales elections planning group led by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The benefits of such a group are seen as being a forum for discussion on electoral procedures, a vehicle for addressing potential problems and a strategic avenue in the preparation of elections and the sharing of best practice.  

As the Assembly has no functions in relation to its own elections, and the Assembly Government no functions in the conduct of local and European elections, views of stakeholders were sought on this recommendation and especially on the part to be played by the Assembly Government.

Respondents fully endorsed the Electoral Commission's recommendation for an elections planning group and for the Assembly Government taking the lead.

I therefore propose to act on the Electoral Commission's recommendation. I propose to establish an all Wales elections planning group, to be chaired by Dr Hugh Rawlings, Director of Local Government, Public Service and Culture Department.

Membership will consist of stakeholders with responsibility for elections, organisations with an interest in the elections process and those who represent the interest of groups of voters (for example, the disabled) who have specific requirements to be accommodated in elections arrangements.

I will report to the Local Government and Public Services Committee as necessary on the work of the group.