Context
The question arises from concerns about the government's adherence to the ministerial code, highlighting instances where the government has not worked within the system.
Question
If he will take steps to help ensure the enforcement of the ministerial code. Sadly, the Government have shown time and again that they cannot be trusted to work within the system as it stands. Will the Government commit to placing the ministerial code on a statutory footing and give the adviser on Ministers' interests powers to instigate his own investigations?
Answer from Chloe Smith
Ministers are personally responsible for deciding how to act and conduct themselves in the light of the code, and for justifying their actions and conduct to Parliament and the public. The Prime Minister is the ultimate judge of the standards required and the appropriate consequences of a breach of those standards. We think it is the right thing, in the context of our constitution, that the ministerial code and its enforcement and expectations sit with the Prime Minister, because he is, appropriately, the appointer of the Executive and is accountable to the sovereign for that. The Prime Minister appointed Lord Geidt recently as the independent adviser on Ministers' interests and spoke with him about the second point that the hon. Lady raised—whether there might be initiation for that adviser.
Not addressed: Commitment to placing the ministerial code on a statutory footing was not addressed
How: We Think It Is The Right Thing, In The Context Of Our Constitution, That The Ministerial Code And Its Enforcement And Expectations Sit With The Prime Minister
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