Diolch, Lywydd. Today is Gerard Elias QC’s last day in office as the commissioner for standards. I would like to thank him for all his hard work in establishing this landmark role over the last six years and welcome his successor, Sir Roderick Evans QC, to the position of commissioner for standards.

Gerard Elias was appointed in 2010 following the passing of the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009. He was an excellent appointment for the Assembly, bringing his wide range of experience, having worked in the legal profession for over 40 years. His strong commitment to public service led him to having held a number of public appointments. These include a deputy High Court judge, recorder and former leader of the Wales and Chester circuit, chancellor of the diocese of Swansea and Brecon, chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Cricket Discipline Commission and chairman of Sports Resolutions UK.

The Measure of 2009 sought to ensure the National Assembly for Wales had a commissioner for standards able to promote high standards in public life among Assembly Members; had the powers to establish him or her to investigate complaints rigorously; and, finally, a commissioner who was clearly independent of the Assembly and therefore able to act with complete objectivity. These are all matters of great significance to ensure that the people of Wales have confidence in their elected Members.

During his tenure, Gerard Elias has aspired to and achieved the aim of the Assembly being a beacon of standards in public life. He’s established a well-respected, independent office and shaped his role to ensure that there is confidence in the standards of the Assembly. I believe he has taken a measured and balanced attitude to managing complaints and engaged in constructive conversations across the board, from Assembly Members to the wider public, about reasoning for his decisions and those who brought forward complaints.

This pragmatic and approachable style has been valued by Assembly Members and all those who have worked with him. Alongside his work on complaints, he’s been a source of salient advice to the standards committee, particularly during the fourth Assembly’s review of the code of conduct and associated guidance, which culminated in the compendium document that was issued to all Members at the beginning of the fifth Assembly. Of particular note was his work to ensure that the Assembly had adequate sanctions and appropriate sanctions if a transgression by a Member occurs and his updating of the requirements for the declaration and registration of interests, which has brought more clarity and transparency to the system.

These changes made here have helped to ensure that the rules governing the Assembly standards are fit for purpose in the changing context of devolution. Furthermore, Gerard Elias instituted the biennial standards commissioner lecture on standards in public life, which broadcast to Wales that standards in public life do matter. Having secured two Lord Chief Justices in office to attend was a real achievement and an excellent innovation for the Assembly. This is an initiative I understand the new commissioner intends to continue.

I’m also delighted to take this opportunity to welcome Sir Roderick Evans QC to the role of commissioner for standards. I’m sure Members will agree that he’s an excellent appointment. Sir Roderick is a retired High Court judge and, in addition to a distinguished legal career, is also a fellow of Aberystwyth, Swansea and Bangor universities, a fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and was welcomed into the Gorsedd of the Bards in 2002. During his comprehensive recruitment procedure, Sir Roderick attended a public confirmation hearing at a meeting of the fourth Assembly. At this hearing, he comprehensively set out his vision for the future of standards in the Assembly and his approach to the potential challenges during this Assembly and beyond. His appointment was unanimously confirmed by the fourth Assembly.

The role that Sir Roderick is taking on is still relatively new and continually evolving. Undoubtedly, there will be challenges to ensure that the Assembly maintains the high levels of standards achieved thus far, not least as the committee starts its review of lobbying and identifies those areas that need further guidance and advice. The committee is looking forward to working with Sir Roderick to support him in building the office of commissioner for standards further, and to uphold the high standards of the National Assembly for Wales.

I’m sure all Members will join me in welcoming Sir Roderick to the post and thanking Gerard Elias for all the hard work he’s done in developing the role of commissioner and upholding the standards of the Assembly. [Assembly Members: ‘Hear, hear.’]