3.1 Arguments against more MSs
The arguments against focus on the unpopularity of spending significantly more public money on politicians. Responding to calls for more AMs in 2013, a spokesperson for the Welsh Conservatives said:
Job creation for politicians would rightly be questioned by the public at what remains a challenging time for the Welsh economy. What is urgently needed is more scrutiny of legislation, better engagement with the public and more topical and extensive assembly proceedings.
(BBC News, 2013)
Some who oppose an increase in MSs argue that rearranging the parliamentary timetable would create more opportunities for scrutiny. The Welsh Conservatives and several of the smaller devo-hostile parties such as Abolish the Assembly take this view.