The organisation says its Access to Politics Charter is a “groundbreaking” step towards tackling Wales’s democratic “representation gap”. Developed by the Access to Politics Grassroots Network, made up largely of disabled people and Welsh Government-funded, the Charter sets out “practical measures” to dismantle barriers preventing many would-be candidates from entering public life. Political parties must create “safe, confidential spaces” for candidates to disclose impairments or health conditions “without fear of prejudice”. The initiative mirrors similar work in Scotland, where Inclusion Scotland’s Charter has already been signed by all six major political parties. Kat Watkins, Access to Politics Project Officer at Disability Wales, said: “This Charter is about creating real change.

Source: The Guardian January 19, 2026 14:01 UTC