Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

MPs and Second Jobs

23 February 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Richard Burgon Lab Leeds East

Parliamentary ProcedureStandards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Burgon raised concerns about mps and second jobs in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, raised concerns about MPs enriching themselves through second jobs, introducing a bill to ban such practices.
  • Burgon cited Conservative MPs earning over 17 million in outside earnings, with 90% going to just 20 MPs.
  • Minister Nigel Evans did not address the main topic of banning MPs' second jobs or provide any commitments regarding the issue.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Richard Burgon Lab Leeds East

Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East and a member of the Labour party, secured this debate to address the scandal of MPs enriching themselves through second jobs. He introduced the Members of Parliament (Prohibition of Second Jobs) (Motion) Bill to ban MPs from having additional employment. The bill was prompted by the Owen Paterson lobbying scandal but failed to see meaningful action since then. Burgon highlighted that Conservative MPs have earned over £17 million in outside earnings, with 90% going to just 20 MPs. He criticised those who justify second jobs as being beneficial for real-world experience and argued that these MPs are out of touch with the public. The MP noted that such practices undermine trust in politicians and democracy, calling for a ban on MPs earning money from outside work unless it is for maintaining professional qualifications or frontline emergency services roles.

Other contributors (1)
  • Alex Burghart Con Dover

    Burghart acknowledged the sincerity of Richard Burgon's concerns but argued that individual MPs, not the Government, should decide on reasonable limits for outside earnings. He pointed out that banning second jobs is unnecessary as current rules prohibit paid advocacy and lobbying, ensuring MPs serve their constituents' interests.

Government Response

Nigel Evans

Minister Nigel Evans opened by addressing WorldPride in Sydney, celebrating the event and sending a message of support from the House of Commons. He did not directly address the main topic of banning MPs’ second jobs or provide any funding announcements, policy commitments, or timelines regarding the issue.

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