Independent inquiries into ministerial code ‘long overdue’
MPs have today urged the government to set up an independent body to investigate alleged breaches of the ministerial code of conduct.
The influential public administration select committee (PASC) argues that such a move is “long overdue” – not only would it restore confidence in the political system, but it would also ensure ministers accused of misconduct received a fair hearing.
Its call echoes that of the committee on standards in public life, which has long argued that the current system, where only the prime minister can initiate a probe into allegations of improper ministerial behaviour, is insufficient.
The problems have been highlighted most recently in the row over John Prescott’s meetings with dome owner Philip Anschutz – the Conservatives demanded an inquiry to see if there was a conflict of interests, but Tony Blair refused.
He also rejected calls for an investigation into culture secretary Tessa Jowell, after her husband was accused of taking a bribe from Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. Both she and David Mills denied any wrongdoing.
In March, Mr Blair appointed John Bourn, the auditor general, as a new independent advisor on the ministerial code. But today’s report warns his role adds little to the process – he can still only investigate alleged breaches at the request of the prime minister.
Successive governments have argued that they cannot create an independent investigator without compromising the prime minister’s power to have the final say on who is in his government.
But today’s report says this reluctance is “puzzling”, and that such a system would “not interfere with the political accountability of ministers, or with the political responsibility of the prime minister for the fate of ministers”.
“But it would reduce the regular frenzy and provide a more informed basis upon which political judgments can be made,” said committee chairman Tony Wright.
The MPs recommend a new independent body responsible solely for establishing the facts in a case and making these findings public. The prime minister would judge if they constituted a breach of the code, and decide on any punishment.
“Providing the means for independent investigation of alleged breaches is long overdue,” Mr Wright added.
“This would benefit not just public confidence but also the interests of the prime minister, the government and especially those at the centre of allegations who deserve a fair hearing.”
Alistair Graham, chairman of the committee on standards in public life, welcomed today’s report and called on the government to heed the calls for change.
“The introduction of such a system, under which the prime minister would still take the final decisions, is long overdue and any more delay can only lead to further erosion of public confidence in the way such allegations are handled,” he said.
