2. Will the Commission make a statement on the Llywydd and the Chief Executive’s interactions with Sir Roderick Evans in respect of standards complaints? OAQ54706

As Llywydd, I did not have any discussions with Sir Roderick Evans in respect of standards complaints. I had two meetings with Sir Roderick Evans—one in 2016, the transition period early before he undertook the role, and the other in 2017 to discuss the dignity and respect agenda.

Section 9 of the National Assembly for Wales Commissioner for Standards Measure 2009 places a duty on the Chief Executive and Clerk of the Assembly to refer specific issues to the standards commissioner when they relate to the conduct of Assembly Members. Section 10 of the Measure requires the commissioner to communicate to the Clerk certain matters relevant to her functions as accounting officer.

So, why in one complaint, ruled as being without merit by the standards commissioner, did he refer to an e-mail suggesting you as Llywydd would deal with it by knocking heads together? Why were there—[Inaudible.]

Sorry, Mr Reckless. [Interruption.] No, it is not entirely within the scope, and I would ask you not to quote from unauthorised recordings or of confidential conversations that have taken place, which are part of an investigation, as Mr McEvoy has already alluded to.

Well, could I specifically ask the Llywydd: why was there a need to ensure you were on side, as the complaint involved a Labour woman and a Brexit man? And was this proper conduct by the standards commissioner?

I can only confirm what I know, and I've told you what I know, and that is to say that I had two meetings with the previous standards commissioner—one on his introduction to office and one in 2017 to discuss the respect and dignity policy of the National Assembly.