Closed petition Introduce an independent body to enforce the Ministerial Code

Closed on 17 May 2023

We want the process for enforcing the Ministerial Code to be strengthened, with an independent body established to consider allegations of breaches, and decide on any sanctions, in a clear and consistent way. This would better reflect processes that apply to other professions.

Currently the Prime Minister can decide to take no action even if there is evidence of behaviour that would result in any other professional being instantly dismissed.

Ministers have been allowed to continue in post even when there has been evidence of serious wrongdoing. This erodes confidence in the Government and allows poor and unacceptable behaviour to continue. We believe the Government is setting a very poor example by allowing unacceptable behaviour not having consequences.