Increasing electoral opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups is an ongoing concern in UK politics. In Wales, efforts to increase diversity in political representation and participation occur within a specific post-devolution context, which brings its own challenges and opportunities for change.
Shaping debates around diversity and gender representation in Wales, research by Prof. Diana Stirbu has led to changes in the Senedd Cymru’s remuneration policy and improved legislative scrutiny.
Research commissioned by the Remuneration Board of the Senedd Cymru and co-led by Prof. Stirbu exposed the barriers faced by individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and offered unprecedented insight into their lived experience of becoming politically active. This inquiry showed how journeys into politics are shaped by deep systemic, cultural and political factors, and made key recommendations to improve participation through, for example, contributions towards disability-related expenses and the costs of child care or care support for Senedd Members.
In addition to contributing to positive progress for Senedd bodies including the Remuneration Board, the Senedd’s Commission and the Senedd Committee on Electoral Reform, Prof. Stirbu’s research findings have informed the work of several Welsh NGOs. The Director of ERS Cymru – an independent campaigning organisation advocating for voters’ rights – confirmed that the remuneration inquiry co-led by Prof. Stirbu “has had a clear impact on the diversity agenda in Wales”.
