Mixed reaction to plans to increase number of AMs

The independent report released earlier this week proposed revamping the Welsh Assembly's electoral regions, with some constituencies being represented by as many as six AMs.

If the proposals go ahead Newport East and West could be merged into a single constituency.

Newport East AM John Griffiths, who has served in the Assembly since it was founded in 1999, welcomed the report.

"It’s a matter of how we make the Assembly and the Welsh Government work more effectively and efficiently for the people of Wales," he said.

"We have got considerably greater power now than we had in 1999, but we’ve still got the same 60 AMs and its not a sufficient number to allow effective scrutiny of the Welsh Government.

"If we do have that improvement it will make life better for the people of Wales in terms of their schools, hospitals and social services."

But ex-Ukip South Wales East AM Mark Reckless said he was concerned about the potential cost of the plan.

"I do not believe the public will support paying for more AMs, particularly if we are not now cutting the number of Westminster MPs," he said.

Conservative Mohammad Asghar, who also represents South Wales East, called the report "a welcome addition to the debate around the size and shape of the National Assembly for Wales."

“Any changes to our Parliament and democratic processes must benefit the people of Wales and bring value for money for the taxpayer," he said.

And his party colleague Nick Ramsay, who represents Monmouth, said: "There are clearly questions over the scrutiny capacity of the institution but any increase in the number of AMs is controversial and would clearly need to be justified.

"I think many people feel we actually have too many politicians in Wales and are generally in favour of the proposals to reduce the number of MPs."

Labour Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies said: "The report contains a lot of important information and I will be contributing to the debate as it progresses."