Questions Without Notice from the Party Leaders

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:38 pm on 28 November 2017.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Andrew RT Davies Andrew RT Davies Conservative 1:38, 28 November 2017

Well, surely, the Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister is an independent process. People sit on that committee and look objectively at the evidence that's given to the committee, and ultimately determine and provide a report based on that evidence. It was slightly alarming, from the Counsel General's interview on the Politics Show, that he questioned the ability of the Chair—as a Labour Chair—and Labour Members to actually be objective in their scrutiny. I believe that they will act with integrity and objectivity on the evidence that is provided by the witnesses that would come before them. I have the words here, which actually do say, 'the Labour Chair and AMs to act impartially on the subject', which I have stated is clearly not a political subject. [Interruption.] But those are the words—I've got them here in front of me—if, from a sedentary position, the Member wants to talk about them.

So, I do believe that they would act objectively, and I do think it is important for this institution that, if that vote is carried tomorrow, the Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister is allowed to undertake that work. Surely that's what that committee actually does. So, I do ask you again to enlarge why you have put that 'delete all' motion down that will prevent the very committee that is charged by this Assembly to scrutinise you and your office and the activities of you and your office while in Government?