Barriers continue to prevent potential Assembly candidates from standing, report concludes

Action is needed to encourage a wider range of people from underrepresented groups to enter politics, academics say. The team from Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre and London Metropolitan University studied what motivates and discourages people from considering running for election to the National Assembly. There is currently a drive to make the Assembly more reflective of those living in Wales including those from a wider range of occupational backgrounds and it is known that young people, women, people with disabilities and those from LGBT and BAME groups are poorly represented. The work, commissioned by the Assembly's Remuneration Board, sought opinions from people across Wales, including those who had previously stood for election. Taking place over five months, the researchers gathered a wide range of views through surveys, before asking more detailed questions in focus groups and one-to-one interviews. Results show 78% of those aged 18-24 and 55% of those aged over 65 perceived their age to be a barrier. Only 13% of those aged 45-54 and 15% of those 35-44 thought their age would be a hindrance.