In the case of an investigation relating to a potential breach of the ministerial code, having a robust independent process is crucial, and I believe that it's right that any complaints against the First Minister relating to the ministerial code must be examined by an external independent adviser. This ensures an effective, rigorous and fair investigation. As the leader of Plaid Cymru said, such a procedure is not unique; it already happens in Scotland. In fact, the importance of an independent person conducting investigations into potential breaches of code of conduct, is already recognised by this Assembly. All Members will be aware that the Standards of Conduct Committee operates on the basis that when a complaint is reported to the standards commissioner about an Assembly Member, it's the commissioner, an independent QC, who investigates the complaint. It's not the committee that investigates.

So, I think it's absolutely right that to consider any potential breach of the ministerial code thoroughly and fairly, it's entirely sensible for an independent adviser to investigate complaints against the First Minister, just as it is for an independent person to investigate a complaint against any Assembly Member.