Government of Wales Bill

I certainly did not say that such Members should have a lower salary. I said that they do a different job, and I shall explain what I mean. If list members are in any doubt about what their role should be, they have only to consult Leanne Wood’s magic memo, or the additional list Members’ bible, as it is known. She set out with great clarity her golden rules on how list Members should abuse the system: avoid casework at all costs; misuse the staffing allowance to benefit the party; locate the office not for the needs of the people, but in the interests of the party; and, of course, attend events only if it is in the interests of the party—if in doubt, send a pro forma letter of rejection. There is a problem with the system. List Members of any party—even Labour list Members, if there were any—would be drawn to that approach because the system allows and even encourages them to behave in such a manner. The system is wrong and should be changed. I would like the Bill and the Assembly to go further and define the role of list Members. They should have exactly the same status as other Members within the Assembly, but without an unchecked roaming remit outside. We will have to return to the matter if that abuse continues to such an extent.