The National Assembly's Presiding Officer has held discussions to decide what will happen in the event of a motion of no confidence in First Secretary Alun Michael.

Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas told BBC Wales that he had been discussing standing orders on the no confidence procedure with officials of Wales's four parties in the Assembly.

"We have fairly clear standing orders on this matter," he explained.

"If there is a motion of no confidence it will be taken early; the following day if the Assembly is sitting."

"If it is carried, whoever is First Secretary will have to resign but what happens then is not clear and I am discussing that with party managers.

"We will make it clear, though, beforehand what the rules of the game are.

"It is absolutely clear what is expected of the Assembly Cabinet, which will continue and select one of its members to chair the Cabinet.

"We have to make sure the Government of Wales runs properly.

"I have always said that people who bring down a government have an obligation to construct another one."

'Chinese Wall'

Lord Elis-Thomas also told BBC Wales that it was important for the National Assembly to clearly project the divisions of power and responsibility in the Assembly.

There must be a "Chinese wall", he said, between the decisions of politicians and bureaucrats and Assembly Members and the Executive (Cabinet).

"It is crucial that every member of the public should know what we are doing.

"We describe everything as the National Assembly doing this or that - that is very confusing.

"The Assembly needs to be seen to be independent of the Executive."