The next item is the debate on the Standards of Conduct Committee's report to the Assembly under Standing Order 22.9. I call on the Chair of the committee to move the motion, Jayne Bryant.

Motion NDM6773 Jayne Bryant

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Considers the Report of the Standards of Conduct Committee—Report 02-18 laid before the Assembly on 9 July 2018 in accordance with Standing Order 22.9

2. Endorses the recommendation in the report that a breach has been found and resolves that the Member, under Standing Order 22.10 (iii) should be sanctioned and excluded from Assembly proceedings for the period of 14 calendar days commencing on the first day of the Assembly term after summer recess (17 September 2018).

Motion moved.

Diolch, Llywydd. As Chair of the Standards of Conduct Committee I formally move the motion. The committee considered the report from the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards in relation to a complaint made against Rhianon Passmore AM for bringing the Assembly into disrepute, which is a breach of the code of conduct. The committee's report details the facts relating to the complaint and sets out in full the committee's reasons for its recommendation. The Standards of Conduct Committee gave the commissioner's report careful consideration and concluded that a sanction was appropriate in this case. This decision was not taken lightly, but it was agreed that the breach warranted a significant sanction. I call on the Assembly to endorse the committee's recommendation.

Llywydd, I rise today to read out a statement from Rhianon Passmore AM in her own words. So, the words that I’m about to read were written by her and not by myself. 

'Llywydd, I apologise to you and all Members of the National Assembly for my absence today. I am grateful for you allowing the leader of the house to read out this personal statement to the Assembly. I referred myself to the standards commissioner, I assume responsibility for my actions. I accept the recommendations of the commissioner and the decision of the Assembly standards committee. I apologise.

'Whilst I can often be described in public as a self-confident female politician, I've had to encounter private struggles that I have found it difficult to master. While I wish to maintain privacy for my private life and for my family, I do want to acknowledge the support I have received during this incredibly difficult time. I remain committed to doing my job for the people who elected me to the best of my ability.

'None of this excuses my guilt for breaking the law. I am profoundly sorry for that. I want to recognise the humanity that has been shown to me in private correspondence from Members across the Chamber and from journalists who scrutinise our work. I will ensure that the issues in my private life are tackled, and I remain committed to passionately serving the constituents I'm honoured to represent to the best of my ability. I know I have to regain people's trust, and I shall work my hardest, and to the best of my ability, every day to achieve that. Thank you. Rhianon Passmore AM.'

Diolch.

Committee Chair to respond—Jayne Bryant.

Diolch, Llywydd. I'd like to thank the Member once again for providing a further statement today and for putting on record, once again, her apology. 

The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.