Politicians urgently need to build trust with the public – indeed the future of devolution depends on it. Here are my five top tips to all aspiring politicians ahead of the May Senedd election.
As many people and organisations gear up for the Senedd elections in May, most eyes are on the possible political composition of the Welsh parliament. Will Welsh Labour face a historic defeat? Will any party have a majority? Who are likely coalition partners? Important though these questions are, I think there is a bigger issue than the colour of the 96 seats. And that is:
What sort of politicians do we want?
Politicians in Cardiff and Westminster have not exactly won the confidence of the electorate. Research by the Electoral Commission found that more than half of the public do not think that politicians represent ‘people like them’, while a recent YouGov poll found that an eye-watering 67% of people think politicians are politicians are out only for themselves. With such a dim view of elected representatives, it is a wonder that anyone bothers to vote at all.
The new electoral system, in which voters chose a party not a person, could increase public scepticism about the motivations of those standing for office and their ability to represent the electorate still further. No longer can candidates try to persuade you to vote for them with a warm smile and pat of your dog, they now have to try to persuade you to vote for party X – a much harder ask.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the future of devolution depends on the next batch of politicians securing the confidence of the public. If voters think that Senedd members are in it for themselves and are not interested in people like them, then they may well conclude that the Senedd itself should go.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for any aspiring politicians who want to change the tide of hostility. They’re aimed at Senedd members but apply to MPs and local councillors as well.
- Do not accept gifts
Cash donations, rugby tickets, holidays, clothes – the list of gifts politicians are offered is astonishing long. The average person does not get offered freebies, and, be honest, there is no such thing as a ‘free’ lunch. Just say no.
2. Do not get greedy with expenses
Yes, it is right that work-related expenses are reimbursed, but it is a moot point whether eye tests, newspapers, heating bills, and bus fares – all of which are regularly claimed by Senedd Members – do not include an element of personal benefit or savings too. Your constituents pay for these things themselves – maybe you should too.
3. Do your job
The Senedd typically has 17 weeks in recess when MS’s are widely perceived to be on holiday. When it is sitting, there ae two-half day plenary meetings a week – and even these can appear sparsely attended. There are in addition committee meetings, case work and constituency business, but these are less visible. Voters want to see you working at least as hard as them. To adapt a well-known slogan, a fair day’s work for quite a lot of pay.
4. Do not flaunt your riches
At a minimum salary from May 2026 of £76,380 a year, with more for additional responsibilities, Senedd Members earn more than twice the typical full-time worker, and are in the top ten percent of earners in the UK. You may feel that you have earned it, but posting on social media about your holidays abroad, meals in nice restaurants or your hot tub does not sit well with constituents, one in seven of which cannot even afford the basics.
5. Be visible and available
I understand that there are concerns about security, but voters don’t want to see your office shutters down most of the time, or wait months for an appointment. So use local services, visit lots of people and places, and listen instead of talking.
These are just some obvious steps that all politicians should follow if they want to have the support and respect of the public. I am sure there are more and please feel free to add your ideas. I fear that the new electoral system will unfortunately distance our politicians from their voters even further – mega constituencies and the list system are likely to make our MSs even more removed from Mr or Ms Public.
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