Thank you, Presiding Officer. May I welcome everybody to the Assembly, those of you who are newcomers and those of you who are returning?

May I say that I believe that it’s a great honour to be proposed as Presiding Officer designate and to put my name forward to the vote? Some of you know me very well, and some of you perhaps don’t know me at all. Therefore, before moving to the vote, I’ll outline some of the principles that will be the foundation of my term as Presiding Officer, if successful.

First of all, I would endeavour to be fair—attempt to be fair and be fair—with every Member of this Assembly, to treat everybody equally and to safeguard the rights of each individual Member. Secondly, I would promote and safeguard the good reputation of this Assembly, here in the Chamber and beyond, in every community within Wales. And I would wish to allow a lively, healthy, democratic debate here in the Assembly, and I would be transparent at all times. Finally, I would also ensure that this Senedd plays a constructive, collaborative role with our fellow and sister Parliaments within the United Kingdom and beyond. I would hope, this afternoon, that I will gain your support for Presiding Officer.