I am appalled to learn of the potential consideration of paying expenses for accommodation costs to an AM who chooses to live outside of Wales but periodically visits Wales. It is perfectly acceptable for an AM representing a constituency far from Cardiff to claim periodically for expenses – but at least they live in Wales, have an understanding of their community and are in touch with the feelings of the electorate. The same cannot be said for living in a Wiltshire manor house.

Irrespective of political party, an AM should demonstrate his or her commitment to the nation and the constituency to which they have been elected by actually living in Wales. To blatantly live outside Wales and (in common with some other UKIP members) not to have any constituency office contact details, suggests a cavalier attitude to the electorate of Wales.

I sincerely hope that the committee examining Mr Hamilton’s claim for entitlement to expenses will rule that, like all other AMs, he should have a home address in Wales. He cannot undertake his duties effectively from Wiltshire.