Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ministerial Code

Thursday 2 February 2023 · 7 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister expects all Ministers to act in accordance with the ministerial code and has appointed Sir Laurie Magnus as independent adviser on Ministers' interests.
  • Adam Tolley was appointed to investigate bullying allegations against the Deputy Prime Minister upon receipt of formal complaints.
  • The Government will publish a full list of Ministers' interests before May in accordance with rules.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Standards & Ethics
Context

Reports have suggested varying levels of adherence to the ministerial code among government members, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the level of compliance with the ministerial code?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide recent assessment details but stated expectations for compliance and mentioned an appointment of an advisor.

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Standards & Ethics
Context

There are ongoing investigations into alleged bullying involving a senior government official, raising concerns about the Prime Minister's awareness and actions.

Question

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?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify when PM knew about allegations but referred to actions taken upon awareness of formal complaints.

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Q3 Andrew Gwynne Ind Gorton and Denton
Employment Standards & Ethics
Context

Staff working for the Deputy Prime Minister have reported severe emotional distress due to alleged bullying, raising concerns about workplace standards.

Question

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?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

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.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific question about suspension rules and instead focused on criticism of opposition's stance.

How: Changing Subject, Criticising Opposition

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Q4 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Standards & Ethics
Context

The list of Ministers' interests on the website is outdated and inaccurate, raising concerns about transparency.

Question

When will the Government update the list of Ministers' interests? Does the Minister agree that there should be full transparency?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

The Prime Minister has appointed an independent adviser to look into Ministers' interests. Before May, they will be fully published in accordance with rules.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide timeline for update but mentioned an advisor and future publication.

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Q5 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Standards & Ethics
Context

A conflict of interest was identified in the process for appointing Richard Sharp at the BBC, raising questions about transparency and integrity.

Question

What will be done to tackle the chumocracy around the Prime Minister? Is it time for an independent integrity and ethics commission?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the need for an ethics commission but defended the existing appointment process.

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Q6 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Standards & Ethics
Context

The UK's score in Transparency International's corruption index has declined, raising concerns about the Government's stance on transparency and accountability.

Question

When will the Prime Minister appoint an anti-corruption champion? Given international views of UK corruption, when will this appointment be made?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

Of course we will make that appointment. The Government has taken steps to increase standards of transparency and accountability since coming into office.

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific timeline or commitment for the anti-corruption champion's appointment.

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Q7 Kirsty Blackman SNP Aberdeen North
Standards & Ethics
Context

The position of anti-corruption champion remains vacant for seven months, raising concerns about the Government's efforts to address corruption issues.

Question

Given the sharp fall in international views on UK corruption, when will the Prime Minister appoint an anti-corruption champion?

Answer from Oliver Dowden

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.

Not addressed: Did not provide a concrete timeline or commitment for the anti-corruption champion's appointment.

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