Before I call the first item on the agenda, I wish to inform the Assembly that I have received a letter from four Members notifying me of their wish to form a group in accordance with Standing Order 1.3. I am considering this issue, in accordance with my duty under the Standing Orders, and I will notify the Assembly of my conclusion in due course. 

Point of order, Alun Davies.

Further to that statement, which I appreciate, Presiding Officer, I would also like to ask you to consider these matters under Standing Order 1.4, where you are given a level of discretion. There are Members on all sides of this Chamber who are deeply disturbed at the undermining of our democracy by events today. These chancers did not stand for election under any party label they are using today. They are using this in order to access public resources and public money without standing for election or seeking the consent of anybody in any constituency or region in any part of Wales. None of them have had their names on a ballot paper. It undermines the democracy we were celebrating only last week. Members on all sides of the Chamber have very deep reservations and concerns over this matter, of which I know you are aware, Presiding Officer, and I hope that you will be able to use some discretion available to you to consider these matters over a period of time that will allow Members to consider their own thoughts and their own responses to this announcement. 

I’m grateful to the Member for his advice at all times, and I can assure the Member and other Members that I am most aware of every element of the Standing Orders that will advise and guide me in coming to conclusions on these issues.

Also before the first item of business this afternoon, I wish to inform the Assembly that the Renting homes (Fees, etc.) (Wales) Bill, in accordance with Standing Order 26.75, was given Royal Assent today.