Nidhish Waghmare
In a bid to address the growing concerns over MPs engaging in lucrative outside work while serving their constituents, the UK government is introducing new measures to overhaul parliamentary standards. Under the upcoming reforms, MPs will face stricter regulations on lobbying jobs but will not be completely barred from taking on second roles.
New Restrictions on Lobbying and Advisory Roles
The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is set to implement a significant shake-up in how MPs handle secondary employment. The new rules will introduce a rigorous test to ensure that MPs’ second jobs align with prioritising their constituents’ interests. While a full ban on second jobs has been ruled out, the government plans to tighten controls specifically on lobbying and advisory roles.
The reforms will close existing loopholes that allow MPs to accept paid lobbying positions related to policy or parliamentary procedures. This move follows recent high-profile cases where MPs were seen taking on paid advocacy roles that were closely linked to their parliamentary duties. According to Lucy Powell, the new leader of the Commons, these changes aim to eliminate any perceived conflicts of interest and ensure MPs focus on their primary role of serving their constituents.
While lobbying and advisory roles will face restrictions, the new rules will allow for exceptions. MPs will still be permitted to maintain professional qualifications, such as those required for doctors and nurses, and engage in speaking, writing, or media presenting roles. This approach balances the need to uphold parliamentary standards with the recognition of MPs’ ongoing professional development and public engagement.
Establishment of Modernisation Committee
To oversee these changes and drive further improvements in parliamentary conduct, Labour will propose the creation of a new cross-party modernisation committee. Chaired by Powell, this committee will focus on updating outdated Commons procedures and raising standards across the board. It will consist of members from various political parties, aiming to foster consensus and collaborative reform.
The committee will also address how to manage MPs under investigation for serious criminal offences. Although no plans are currently in place to name MPs involved in such cases, the committee will review the public interest and transparency issues as they arise.
Broader Impact and Future Considerations
The proposed reforms come in response to widespread public dissatisfaction with the perceived sleaze and cronyism in politics. With MPs collectively earning over £17 million from outside work in the last parliament, the government is under pressure to address these concerns comprehensively.
While the Labour government’s plans do not include limits on the amount of time MPs can spend on outside work or their earnings, they reflect a commitment to enhancing transparency and accountability. Future discussions may also explore tightening rules around gifts, hospitality, and declarations to prevent further exploitation of parliamentary privileges.
In the long term, Labour has pledged to establish an ethics and integrity commission within the first 100 days of their term, though its statutory status remains uncertain. The government is also considering additional reforms to further address issues of ministerial ethics and lobbying practices.
As the new rules take shape, they are expected to mark a significant shift in how MPs manage their secondary roles and contribute to restoring public trust in British politics.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings