Welsh Government launches grant scheme to support underrepresented groups standing for election
Emily Price
The Welsh Government is piloting a new grant scheme to support people from underrepresented backgrounds to stand for elected office in devolved elections.
The Candidate Diversity Grant scheme will launch this autumn.
The Welsh Government says the pilot is a “key step towards building a more inclusive democracy in Wales” that better reflects the people it serves.
It’s hoped that the more diverse representation means decisions can be informed by a broader range of views and lived experiences.
Welsh minister say that this, in turn, can lead to “increased confidence and trust in our democratic systems”.
Support
A total of £400,000 will be available over two years to fund organisations giving practical support to potential candidates.
This includes mentoring, training, information, coaching, equipment, and assistance with tasks.
In a bid to helping to improve diversity at both the local and national level, the grant will target both the 2026 Senedd election and the 2027 local government elections.
The pilot responds to a new duty under the Elections and Elected Bodies (Wales) Act 2024, which requires Welsh ministers to provide services that promote diversity in the protected characteristics and socio-economic circumstances of people seeking elected office in Wales.
It will operate using the framework of the Democratic Engagement Grant (DEG), which already funds projects promoting engagement in political processes among underrepresented and newly enfranchised groups and with disabled people.
The Welsh Government says this approach allows the administration to quickly mobilise existing grant infrastructure and networks.
Barriers
Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and the Local Government, said: “We want Wales to be a country where everyone can participate in public life, have their voices heard and see themselves reflected in leadership positions.
“The Candidate Diversity Grant pilot scheme is an important step in identifying and removing the barriers that prevent people, particularly those with protected characteristics, from standing for office.
“By investing in practical support, we’re helping to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to stand and serve.”
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Maybe, just maybe… constituencies should elect who they want to elect and no one no matter their shade of skin, religion or sex should receive funding that no one else is entitled to. Sure the case can be argued for those who are disabled or are from a poor/poverty background to receive extra help from the state, but I don’t see why constituencies should be basically coerced into electing people based on their sex or ethnicity. I do not see how the type of skin colour makes someone better able to represent diverse areas (diverse areas containing all skin colors,… Read more »
Does ‘under-represented’, mean those very rare people in Cardiff Bay who’ve actually qualified and attained professional standards out in the real world, who want to put something back.
It cannot possibly mean the many we already have from a ‘no job or non job’ background, who rather like the £80,000 + numerous benefits, regardless of their ability and accountability.
So, labour want to pay anybody to stand against them in an election, sounds absolutely brilliant.
Most people don’t know what happens in the Senedd. The national evening news should regularly contain snippets of debate relating to current affairs that people can continue in their homes, not just when lawmakers have a hilarious meltdown.
Just another try at winning voters. That ship has sailed Morgan. For the last 26yrs you have broken the people and now you try more tricks. Shame on you.