Ministerial Code 2023-02-02
2023-02-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Reports have suggested varying levels of adherence to the ministerial code among government members, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
What recent assessment has been made of the level of compliance with the ministerial code?
The Prime Minister expects all Ministers to act in accordance with the code and demonstrate integrity, professionalism and accountability. He has appointed Sir Laurie Magnus as the independent adviser on Ministers' interests to advise on matters relating to the code.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide recent assessment details but stated expectations for compliance and mentioned an appointment of an advisor.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There are ongoing investigations into alleged bullying involving a senior government official, raising concerns about the Prime Minister's awareness and actions.
When did the Prime Minister know about the bullying allegations against the right hon. Member for Esher and Walton (Dominic Raab)? Was it before he appointed him as Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister?
As soon as the PM became aware of formal complaints, he took action by appointing Adam Tolley to look into those allegations. The trigger for a proper process is a formal complaint.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify when PM knew about allegations but referred to actions taken upon awareness of formal complaints.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Staff working for the Deputy Prime Minister have reported severe emotional distress due to alleged bullying, raising concerns about workplace standards.
Does the Minister accept that in any other workplace the Deputy Prime Minister would have been suspended pending investigation? Why is there a different rule?
The Government take bullying and harassment seriously, hence Adam Tolley was appointed to investigate. The hon. Member cannot have it both ways - asking for an appointment of an independent adviser yet wanting perfunctory sacking without a proper process.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific question about suspension rules and instead focused on criticism of opposition's stance.
Changing Subject
Criticising Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The list of Ministers' interests on the website is outdated and inaccurate, raising concerns about transparency.
When will the Government update the list of Ministers' interests? Does the Minister agree that there should be full transparency?
The Prime Minister has appointed an independent adviser to look into Ministers' interests. Before May, they will be fully published in accordance with rules.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide timeline for update but mentioned an advisor and future publication.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A conflict of interest was identified in the process for appointing Richard Sharp at the BBC, raising questions about transparency and integrity.
What will be done to tackle the chumocracy around the Prime Minister? Is it time for an independent integrity and ethics commission?
The appointment to which referred was made through a clear and transparent process with independent selectors choosing Richard Sharp. The Government stands by this excellent appointment, and he is doing an excellent job as BBC chairman.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the need for an ethics commission but defended the existing appointment process.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK's score in Transparency International's corruption index has declined, raising concerns about the Government's stance on transparency and accountability.
When will the Prime Minister appoint an anti-corruption champion? Given international views of UK corruption, when will this appointment be made?
Of course we will make that appointment. The Government has taken steps to increase standards of transparency and accountability since coming into office.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline or commitment for the anti-corruption champion's appointment.
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The position of anti-corruption champion remains vacant for seven months, raising concerns about the Government's efforts to address corruption issues.
Given the sharp fall in international views on UK corruption, when will the Prime Minister appoint an anti-corruption champion?
The Government has taken steps throughout their time in office to increase standards of transparency and accountability. The position will be filled, but specific timing was not provided.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a concrete timeline or commitment for the anti-corruption champion's appointment.
Response accuracy