Primarolo to head body setting assembly members

Dame Dawn Primarolo was an MP for 28 years

Ex-Treasury minister and Commons Deputy Speaker Dame Dawn Primarolo is taking over the body that sets AMs' pay.

MP for Bristol South from 1987-2015, she served in the Treasury between 1997 and 2007, first as financial secretary and then paymaster general.

Ex-Brecon and Radnorshire Lib Dem MP Roger Williams, who lost his seat in May's election, also joins the board.

In 2014 the board recommended AMs pay should rise from £54,000 a year to £64,000, something many AMs opposed.

Dawn Primarolo said: "The national assembly elected in 2016 will carry more legislative and financial responsibility than ever before.

"Building on the firm foundation laid by our predecessor board, I hope we can work with members, staff and with the people of Wales to help meet those challenges."

Also joining the board are Dame Jane Roberts, a former leader of Camden Borough Council, Michael Redhouse, principal of EMES Consulting and Trevor Reaney, the clerk and chief executive of the Northern Ireland Assembly.