New rules could allow voters to remove politicians who break code of conduct
A local politician has welcomed the news that Welsh voters could replace misbehaving politicians.
Mid and West Wales MS Jane Dodds has voiced her support for a report that proposes the removal of Senedd members caught breaking the code of conduct.
Jane had called on the First Minister Eluned Morgan to confirm that legislation on political deception will be passed this year.
Last summer, Jane Dodds MS voted in favour of a motion which would make it an offence for a Senedd member, or a candidate for election to the Senedd, to wilfully or with intent to mislead make or publish a statement that is known to be false or deceptive.
According to data from the Veracity Index, in 2024 only 9% of the public trusted politicians to tell the truth-the lowest score in forty years.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have backed plans to ban lying in the Senedd, as part of their pledge to clean up Welsh politics.
The code of conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected of an MS.
The report, from the Senedd Standards of Conduct Committee includes plans for a referendum style system where voters could decide if an MS who broke the rules should be removed.
Welcoming proposals to remove misbehaving politician’s, Mid and West Wales MS Jane Dodds said that it would be “a great move for Welsh democracy.”
“This proposal, which would greatly improve the voice of the electorate, will provide us with a platform to make real change.
“We’ve already seen how similar measures introduced by Liberal Democrat’s across the UK and in Westminster have strengthened our democracy, Wales cannot be allowed to fall behind.
“As a party we have been pushing for a reform of our political systems so we can bring power back into the hands of Powys Voters.
“People in Powys deserve to have politicians who hold the best interests of their community to heart.
“Wales is crying out for a change in the way things are being run, which is why more and more people are joining the Welsh Liberal Democrat’s to help make this change a reality.”
