Welsh Governance

The hon. Gentleman described the list proposals to prevent candidates from standing in both the list and the constituency categories as spiteful. Let me quote to him evidence submitted to the Richard commission by the Electoral Reform Society. The society said:"““A system in which candidates can lose elections but nevertheless win seats undermines respect for the electoral process.””" It went on:"““No less than 17 out of the 20 AMs””" —Assembly Members—"““elected from lists were candidates who lost constituency contests. In Clwyd West there were 5 constituency candidates, but 3 of the 4 who were defeated ended up as AMs””." It said:"““There is also concern that list members can ‘cherry pick’ issues, deciding to focus their activities on those issues most likely to raise their profile or create problems for their constituency opponents . . . list members have concentrated their energies in constituencies in their regions where there are future prospects of winning constituency seats.””" That is the reason—and I remind the hon. Gentleman that the leader of the Liberal Democrats in the Assembly secured only 14 per cent. of the vote when he stood in Torfaen, but was elected through the list anyway. That is not a defensible system. I do not favour more Assembly members. Nor, indeed, does the First Minister. However, I will listen carefully to any proposals that may be presented. May I take the hon. Gentleman’s question to mean that he wants more politicians in the Assembly?