Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ministerial Standards

Thursday 24 October 2024 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The behaviour of Conservative Ministers shattered trust in politics.
  • This new Government aims to restore confidence by issuing a new robust ministerial code and establishing a Modernisation Committee.
  • Details on the former chief of staff's terms, salary, and special adviser severance will be announced in due course.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Standards & Ethics
Context

The question addresses the need for high ministerial standards following years of scandals and rule-breaking by Conservative Ministers.

Question

What steps is he taking to ensure high ministerial standards in government after a period marked by unethical behavior from previous ministers, including parties at Downing Street during lockdowns and granting contracts to friends?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

The behaviour of Conservative Ministers shattered trust in politics. This new Government aims to restore confidence by issuing a new robust ministerial code and establishing a Modernisation Committee to drive up standards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for issuing the updated ministerial code and concrete measures beyond stating intentions were not provided.

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Q2 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Standards & Ethics
Context

The question builds on the previous one, focusing on veterinary standards and asking if enshrining the ministerial code in law would ensure real consequences for breaches.

Question

As a veterinary surgeon faces being struck off for failing to meet professional standards, does he agree that enshrining the ministerial code in law could similarly enforce accountability and consequences for Ministers who lie or break rules?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

The hon. Gentleman's question is acknowledged, but no commitment is given to enshrine the ministerial code in law beyond establishing a Modernisation Committee and issuing an updated code.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific agreement or disagreement on legislating the ministerial code was provided.

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Q3 John Glen Con Salisbury
Standards & Ethics
Context

The question addresses transparency concerns regarding the Prime Minister's former chief of staff appointed as envoy, raising issues about compliance with Cabinet Office guidance and potential peerage.

Question

Supporting the Government's aspirations for high ministerial standards, why have Ministers not published terms of reference or salary details for the new envoy role despite previous chief of staff experience? Is she correct in understanding she is at the top of the list for new peers?

Answer from Ellie Reeves

Details on the former chief of staff's terms, salary, and special adviser severance will be announced in due course. It is not appropriate to comment on individual conditions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline for announcement was given and no confirmation or denial about peerage status.

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