The Government this week launched a series of reforms to clean up politics and restore
the British people’s confidence in public service.
- The reforms will build on the Hillsborough Law which introduced a duty of
candour across Government and public sector organisations. - A new independent Ethics and Integrity Commission has been launched to
instil this duty of candour across government. - The Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards will have the ability to
investigate Ministers without needing the Prime Minister’s permission.
The Ethics and Integrity Commission will bring independent scrutiny to ensure that
ethical standards are embedded in how the country is governed.
In its first task, the Commission will help public organisations write new Codes of
Conduct so that all public servants — ministers, civil servants, NHS workers, police
officers and others — act with integrity, honesty and candour at all times.
Reforms to the standards of conduct go further than launching the Ethics and Integrity
Commission, with the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards given the ability to
investigate Ministers accused of wrongdoing without needing the permission of the
Prime Minister.
This reform targets potential conflicts of interest and ensures investigations can
proceed without political interference, as well as now being able to oversee the rules on
how ministers earn money after leaving office.
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP said: “Labour was elected last year on a promise to clean
up our politics and restore the British people’s confidence in public service.
Since coming to office, we have worked tirelessly to do exactly that, recognising that this
requires sustained commitment and comprehensive reform across all levels of
government.
These crucial reforms will ensure that this government is setting the highest of
standards in public life, and put ethics and integrity at the heart of the Government’s
approach to public service.”