On behalf of the National Assembly for Wales, yesterday I accepted the resignation of the Commissioner for Standards, Sir Roderick Evans. Members will be aware of commentary on the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the former commissioner, and I don't intend to comment on these matters here today. However, I want to make it clear that the covert recording of private conversations on the Assembly estate is a serious breach of trust. I understand that sound recordings were made that included confidential evidence by a witness during a formal investigation into the conduct of an Assembly Member. It is particularly egregious that the covert recording was done by the Assembly Member under investigation. On the matter of covert recording, South Wales Police have been asked to investigate how such recordings were made, and their legality. A search of the Senedd estate for recording devices, starting with meeting rooms and other commonly used areas, is already under way.

In relation to the complaints procedure, in accordance with section 4 of the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009—[Interruption.] I advise Neil McEvoy to be quiet and to listen to me at this point.

In relation to the complaints procedure, in accordance with section 4 of the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009, the process for appointing an acting commissioner is under way. The acting commissioner will take over the investigation of ongoing complaints in relation to the conduct of Assembly Members. I wish to make it clear to complainants that no complaints will fall as a result of the resignation of the former commissioner. Steps will also be taken to protect information now in the public domain but obtained through interference in confidential standards cases.

The essential purpose of the code of conduct for Assembly Members is, and I quote,

'to uphold the reputation of the…Assembly…and to provide the openness and accountability necessary to reinforce public confidence in the integrity of Members....This Code applies to all Members'.

Undermining the statutory, independent standards process to which all of us as elected Members are accountable is, in my view, a serious matter. I have decided that I will be making a complaint to the acting standards commissioner, once appointed, regarding the use of covert recording devices by an Assembly Member and the unauthorised releasing of confidential information.