Diolch, Llywydd. I speak to all the amendments in this group, which have been tabled following discussions with external organisations, who, like myself, are continually disappointed at the lack of diversity in local government. At Stage 2 I tabled a number of probing amendments on equality and diversity, and I hope the Minister will work with us on this agenda, regardless of how this vote goes.

Turning to a specific amendment, and of course some of them are consequential to the main ones, amendment 162 would allow job sharing for councillors. Job sharing arrangements are crucial in making any role more accessible and we do hope to see some movement on this in the near future.

Amendment 163 would require registered political parties to provide information on the diversity of its candidates according to protected characteristics. The truth is, we all have a responsibility to improve diversity in public life and a small requirement to publish information, which is all this amendment does, may be a positive contribution to this important aim.

Amendment 172 would require local authorities to update their strategic equality plans. Many, of course, already do review and update those plans, but this amendment would ensure that those that do not see it as a priority would do so.

Again, I reiterate that I hope the Minister agrees that these and a number of amendments that I tabled at Stage 2 illustrate the extent to which we should be updating local government, its practices and competition, and I hope we can continue this debate again regardless of how the vote goes, although I do hope very much that Members will support the amendment. Diolch yn fawr.