NDM8537 Welsh Conservatives Debate - Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

NDM8537 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes the resignation of the Head of Investigations at the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.

2. Expresses its concern that the political impartiality of the Office of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has been compromised.

3. Notes that:

a) the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has appointed a senior barrister to investigate allegations of political impartiality; and

b) the person appointed is James Goudie KC.

4. Does not believe that the appointment is appropriate given that James Goudie KC is a former Labour parliamentary candidate, a former chairman of the Society of Labour Lawyers, a former Labour spokesman for Legal Affairs in the House of Lords, and a former Labour leader of Brent Council.

5. In accordance with Standing Order 17.2, instructs the Finance Committee to urgently review the operations, processes and investigations carried out by the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to ensure:

a) that impartiality and fairness are present throughout the employment of the former Head of Investigations; and

b) that the Senedd can have confidence that the office is able to undertake future investigations with impartiality and fairness.

6. Calls upon the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to disclose the terms of the departure of the former Head of Investigations, in the interest of public scrutiny.

The following amendment was tabled:

Amendment 1 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes:

a) the resignation of the Head of Investigations at the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales;

b) that the Ombudsman has appointed a senior barrister to investigate allegations;

c) that as a ‘listed authority’ subject to the supervision of the Ombudsman, it would not be appropriate for the Welsh Government to comment on the investigation; and

d) the expectation of the Senedd for the Ombudsman to report back to the Senedd in due course with the outcome of the investigation.