A 79-page report published by the Senedd standards of conduct committee calls on the Welsh government to strengthen the law to prevent and punish politicians and election candidates who deliberately lie.

The committee said it considered — but ultimately rejected — the idea of introducing a “criminal offence of deception which would be investigated by the police and tried before the criminal courts”.

Members concluded that asking the courts to “reach judgments on whether statements made are points of genuine political contention or statements deliberately intended to deceptive” would undermine their independence and the high levels of public trust in them.

Instead, the committee has proposed that a strengthened code of conduct could be introduced, with breaches and corrections publicly displayed on an elected member’s page on the Senedd website.

“Severe” breaches of the rules could trigger a recall process whereby voters are given the opportunity to remove an elected member from their seat, the committee says.

The members in question would have the right to appeal such a decision to “an appropriate independent judicial panel such as the Adjudication Panel for Wales”.

The report is the latest in an in-depth inquiry which is being carried out as Wales’ devolved government introduces significant reforms to its electoral system and rules ahead of an election next year.

Hannah Blythyn MS, chair of the Senedd’s standards committee, said: “Toughening rules for members of the Senedd and candidates standing for election is critical at a time when public trust in our institutions is low.

“The next Senedd election in 2026 will bring big changes to how our parliament is elected and structured. It is only right that we use this opportunity to review the way politicians conduct themselves during elections and after they elected.

“The Senedd must represent the people of Wales effectively and people should be able to trust those who represent them. Our report is putting forward recommendations to radically enhance our rules and make it clear to anyone who wants to hold public office that deliberately deceiving is not acceptable.

“By strengthening the law governing elections, toughening our code of conduct and giving more power and independence to those investigating complaints, we can start to rebuild public trust in our political institutions and support a parliament fit for the future.”