A CROSS-party group of political leaders in the Welsh Assembly have said they “very much regret that individuals may have been affected by inappropriate behaviour on the part of members of this institution”.

A joint statement was issued this afternoon after a number of allegations around sexual harassment and bullying within the Assembly arose following the death of Carl Sargeant last week.

The statement was signed by the Assembly’s presiding officer Elin Jones, first minister Carwyn Jones, Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies, Plaid Cymru’s Leanne Wood, Ukip’s Neil Hamilton and sole Liberal Democrat AM Kirsty Williams, as well as Newport West AM Jayne Bryant, who is chairwoman of the Assembly’s Standards of Conduct Committee.

It said: “As those who have overall responsibility for the conduct of members and our political parties in the National Assembly for Wales, we very much regret that individuals may have been affected by inappropriate behaviour on the part of members of this institution.”

The statement added leaders would “work together to clarify and strengthen our procedures to ensure that individuals feel more empowered to report allegations of inappropriate behaviour, and that such allegations are investigated thoroughly and fairly - for all involved”.

It said a new Respect and Dignity Policy would be developed and incorporated into the member’s code of conduct, and sanctions for breach of the conduct would be reviewed, while a new point of contact for anyone with concerns would also be set up.

The statement added the rules would apply as much to staff as they do to elected members.

“We all recognise that we have a responsibility to ensure that the National Assembly for Wales is a safe environment for those who work here, for those who visit the estate and for anyone who has dealings with our members or employees,” it said.

Staff currently have access to a 24-hour confidential telephone support line.