MP calls for constituency ombudsman
A Labour MP is leading calls for the creation of a parliamentary ombudsman that could hear complaints from constituents about their member of parliament.
The move comes as part of a new drive to bring politics back into the lives of the British public, and to create a “cultural revolution” in the way politics is defined and practiced.
John Healey MP makes the call in a new publication, MPs and politics in our time, which was compiled with Mark Gill, head of political research at Ipsos-Mori, and Declan McHugh, director of the Hansard Society’s parliament and government programme.
“Civic and community activism in Britain is strong, but is rarely seen as an important form of political activity,” said Mr Healey, who is financial secretary to the Treasury.
“Political parties and elected politicians are not doing enough to ensure that their politics is connected to the everyday activities and aspirations that are a part of many people’s lives.
“This relationship is crucial to the central renewal of politics and reinvigoration of our system of democracy.”
He argues that both the electorate and MPs must take responsibility to improve the relationship between them – the former should take more of an interest, but the latter should also take more trouble to listen to public concerns.
Today’s report rejects the case that there was ever a golden era of politics – pointing out that in the second world war, only one third of people believed politicians took decisions in the best interests of the country.
But it argues that the “health and legitimacy” of the democratic system is being threatened as too many people feel disconnected from politics and its formal institutions.
Many of the practical changes recommended in the report revolve around strengthening the bond between an MP and his constituents.
These include establishing an ombudsman; giving MPs more scope to express constituency issues via parliament; and establishing an independent foundation for more research to help establish clearer and more consistent expectations of MPs.
