standards review
Committee on Standards: Standards Review Sub-Committee
20 June 2014
On 8 April 2014 the Chair of the Committee on Standards announced in the House of Commons that the Committee has decided to examine the current system for consideration of complaints about Members of Parliament, and to consider improvements as required.
A Standards Review Sub Committee, chaired by Peter Jinman, one of the Lay Members, will take this forward. The aims of the inquiry are:
- to improve confidence, both among the public and MPs, in the systems for regulating Members’ behaviour, including the Code of Conduct;
- to ensure that the system supports and assists Members in abiding by the Rules, maintaining high ethical standards and embedding the Nolan principles in the culture of the House of Commons;
- to ensure the regime is fit for purpose;
- to ensure the system for dealing with alleged wrong doing is proportionate;
- to ensure a fair process; and
- to provide clarity, certainty and coherence in the rules, guidance and processes (which should in turn improve awareness and compliance).
The first evidence session will take place on:
Tuesday 24 June at 12.40 pm (Committee Room 6)
Witnesses:
Committee on Standards in Public Life:
- Lord (Paul) Bew, Chair
- Richard Thomas CBE
Rt Hon Peter Riddell CBE, Director, Institute for Government
An issues and questions paper and a formal call for written evidence will be issued early next week.