Sign in

Jess Blair

@jessblair.bsky.social
304 followers 369 following 36 posts

Trying to make democracy a bit better 🗳️ Either travelling or planning the next trip 🗺️ Cat convert 🐈‍⬛ 🐈‍⬛ Views my own

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Jess Blair
mySociety @mysociety.org · 15/07/2026
Join us online on 23 July for the relaunch of WriteToThem in Wales, and learn how to reach the right representative in Wales's changing democratic landscape. We'll also be joined by @jessblair.bsky.social from the Electoral Reform Society to discuss how Welsh politics has evolved. luma.com/tfn60j3e
luma.com
Getting the right message to the right place: navigating changes in Welsh democracy · Luma
Join mySociety to relaunch WriteToThem in Wales and learn how to reach the right representative in a changed democratic landscape. Wales's democratic map has…
117 7
Reposted by Jess Blair
Electoral Reform Society @electoralreform.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Every election sees last-minute surges in voter registration. Automating registration reduces that pressure on administrators, focusing efforts on encouraging voters to participate. Wales is demonstrating how to make elections work better. buff.ly/JDgdxwc
buff.ly
Wales becomes the first UK nation to introduce Automatic Voter Registration
Last week, the Welsh Government laid new regulations to introduce Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) across all 22 Welsh local authorities ahead of the 2027 local elections. This marks a
1219 21
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
They need to work on expectation management.
static.klipy.com
Rose Dawson: It's Been 84 Years (Titanic)
ALT: Rose Dawson: It's Been 84 Years (Titanic)
010 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Also, I know it’s 12 months away (and no one wants to hear this) but good luck to us all for the Welsh local elections next May. Last week in England a council saw a party win 96% of seats on 42% of the vote. That could absolutely be replicated here under the current FPTP system for local elections.
000 0
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Did a little deep dive into the data for last week’s Senedd election. ⬇️
111 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Yes, there’s also the Member Accountability Bill but that doesn’t prohibit members defecting either from my understanding.
100 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Also looking for the answer to this question. I still don’t think there’s anything that’s changed the rules from the previous Senedd where members can defect to another party. I may have missed a change in standing orders but there’s nothing in legislation that I can see.
300 3
Reposted by Jess Blair
UCL Constitution Unit @conunitucl.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
ON THE BLOG: How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics? Following our March webinar, panellist @jessblair.bsky.social explains the changes that have been made to the Senedd and how MSs will be elected, and argues the chosen electoral system of closed lists should be replaced by STV
constitution-unit.com
How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics?
On Thursday, a new Senedd will be elected in Wales, using an altered electoral system. The result will be an enlarged Senedd, with more members than previous incarnations. Jess Blair explains the changes that have been made, analyses their pros and cons, and argues that the chosen electoral system of closed lists should be replaced with the Single Transferable Vote system (STV).
013 3
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
With less than a week until the Senedd election, I’ve jotted down a few thoughts on how the election itself will be different and what the issues with the changes are. 👇
043 4
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Delighted to be asked to offer some thoughts on the changes coming to the elections in Wales in just a couple of months. If you are keen to hear more you can catch up below 👇
042 4
Reposted by Jess Blair
UCL Constitution Unit @conunitucl.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
How will the 2026 Senedd election change Welsh politics? On 5 March, join @jessblair.bsky.social, @lauramcallister30.bsky.social and @paulsilk.bsky.social to discuss recent and possible future reforms to the Senedd. Sign up for this free, online event 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
066 6
Reposted by Jess Blair
Institute of Welsh Affairs @iwa-wales.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Be part of Wales’ changing democracy – join us at the Senedd for expert insights on the changes ahead, and learn how to prepare your organisation for post-election engagement. Book here 👉 ow.ly/yK7N50XgONb Jess Blair Joe Rossiter Maria Drave
011 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
Fascinating keynote from @mickantoniw.bsky.social at the @iwa-wales.bsky.social AGM today on the breakdown of trust in democracy and the need for radical constitutional reform.
052 5
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Not a surprise to hear AVR likely not going to be in place for 2026 but it’s a problem of the Welsh Government’s making to some extent. And it’s the 400,000 missing off the register who will bear the consequences of this. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Automatic registration looking unlikely for next Senedd election
First minister says it will be a
010 1
Reposted by Jess Blair
Sharp End @sharpenditv.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
🥀 Support for Labour plummets in ITV Wales' poll - all the reaction from our panel @jessblair.bsky.social @adrianmasters84.bsky.social @jaclarner.bsky.social 🎥 We hear from @prifweinidog.gov.wales plus those looking to succeed her 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Elin Jones on why she's stepping down as Llywydd 📺 10:45pm
011 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Pleased to have been appointed to the Welsh Government’s Innovating Democracy Advisory Group. There’s a huge amount of work to do to get democracy in Wales to work for everyone. Looking forward to getting started. www.gov.wales/written-stat...
gov.wales
Written Statement: Innovating Democracy Advisory Group | GOV.WALES
Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs
030 3
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Wrote this for @nation.cymru on why the next Senedd could be the least representative ever. I really hope that’s not the case but it’s up to the political parties to stop it from happening. nation.cymru/opinion/why-...
nation.cymru
Why the next Senedd could be the least representative of women ever
Jessica Blair, Director of ERS Cymru The Senedd hit the headlines back in 2003 when it became the first legislature in the world to reach 50:50 gender parity between men and women. It was a proud mome...
020 2
Reposted by Jess Blair
Nesta Lloyd - Jones @nestalloyd-jones.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Really interesting discussion @plaidcymru.bsky.social conference between @jessblair.bsky.social and @rhunapiorwerth.bsky.social discussing the impact the new electoral system will have for Welsh democracy and how it should lead to improved representation and diversity
011 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Will be sorry to see you go, Mick. It’s been great to work with you.
020 2
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Under these plans voters could remove a badly behaving MS (good) but not get to decide on their replacement (very bad). In order for this to work & rebuild trust we need proper accountability, not a half measure. Misbehaving Welsh politicians may face recall vote www.bbc.com/news/article...
bbc.com
Misbehaving Welsh Senedd politicians could be voted out
Members of the Senedd could face a referendum on their future if they are suspended.
074 7
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
A topical and important event coming up next week. 👇
002 2
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 01/01/2025
Such a shame. But well done to you all for all the work you’ve put in to create something in what has, at points, been a real vacuum of political analysis and debate. Definitely brought to light issues that may not have been covered previously in as much depth or with different perspectives.
130 3
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 31/12/2024
Some end of 2024 listening now up at @hiraethpod.bsky.social!
001 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Yes. More like a series of interviews edited into a story than a traditional podcast but I’ve really enjoyed. Perspectives I hadn’t considered before and some real honesty from the interviewees. Not sure they’d have been so open in any other context.
210 2
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
What am I doing on my first day off of the festive season, you ask? Listening to the latest @waterslee.bsky.social podcast in the gym. Think this one might be the best yet. Some genuinely jaw dropping anecdotes 👀 open.spotify.com/episode/3JL0...
open.spotify.com
3 - Dysfunction (The Civil Service - part two)
Y Pumed Llawr - The Fifth Floor · Episode
161 6
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Turns out the General Election in July was not only the most disproportional election in British history, but also one of the most disproportional seen anywhere in the world. That’s quite the achievement 🥇😬
032 3
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
I’m sure these were a thing until quite recently. Or am I just getting old?
110 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
Well this nearly gave me a heart attack when it went off. Stay safe everyone.
050 5
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
He says absolutely not 😂
110 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
Absolutely love Malaga(And here’s an interaction 😂)!
110 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Update on this: my check in didn’t work but my check out did so now I have an active journey on my account which has been going for many hours now. #goingwell
010 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
This year’s Feminist Scorecard has been released by WEN Wales & Oxfam. Spoiler alert; things aren’t good. 🔴 ratings for both fair finance & caring responsibilities. No significant progress made in any of the 6 areas.
Feminist Scorecard Report Launch event for the Feminist Scorecard report
073 7
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
I’m just getting the feeling that my station isn’t allowed in the cool kids club www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6li...
youtube.com
Pay As You Go extended to almost 100 stations
YouTube video by Trafnidiaeth Cymru / Transport for Wales
100 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
Thought I’d give the new TfW Pay as You Go system a try after seeing it’s been rolled out. Tapped a suspicious looking machine on the platform but nothing showing on the app. Anyone know which stations are included? Ive belt & braced it and bought a ticket too 🙃 news.tfw.wales/news/pay-as-...
news.tfw.wales
Pay As You Go extended to almost 100 stations
Rail passengers travelling across the South Wales Metro can now access easier ways to pay and great value fares with a new Pay As You Go system.
110 1
Reposted by Jess Blair
Richard Martin @mimosacymru.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
10000% this!! @storyvillebooks.bsky.social is an amazing independent shop in #Pontypridd and was at the heart of the wonderful @eisteddfod.cymru fringe this year. They’ve been hit hard and because they’re a real shop, not a river-based wesbsite, they have stock that’s been damaged. Donate/Buy! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
04332 43
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
I’m genuinely considering taking the idea of a human sized radiator bed on Dragon’s Den.
110 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Thanks for flagging!
000 0
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Prior to photographing my cat on a radiator I was in the Senedd arguing that voters should have a fuller say in who replaces a politician who’s been kicked out for bad behaviour.
160 6
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Oh to be a cat on a radiator on this freezing cold day.
Max the cat warming himself on a radiator and looking very happy about it.
090 9
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
For anyone at Welsh Labour Conference today we’ve got a cracking fringe this lunchtime!
030 3
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
The next stop on the trip around Wales. 👋 Llandudno!
Llandudno bay from the path towards the Great Orme.
090 9
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
We are staying at their hotel and the ice cream is free 👀
110 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
media.tenor.com
a woman is sitting on a couch holding a cup of coffee and the words oh stop are visible
ALT: a woman is sitting on a couch holding a cup of coffee and the words oh stop are visible
010 1
Jess Blair @jessblair.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
A few days travelling around Wales for work. First stop has been Aberaeron. Beautiful 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
The sun going down on a pebbled beach The coast line. A mix of still sea, dark pebbles and hills in the distance.
160 6