Standards ‘guardians’ to be investigated
The government’s ethics and standards watchdogs are to be subject to a new inquiry, it was announced today.
MPs on the public administration select committee (PASC) will investigate the independence and accountability of the committee on standards in public life, the commissioner for public appointments and the civil service commission.
The question of parliamentary standards has been brought to the fore by the resignation of former work and pensions secretary David Blunkett, who admitted breaching the ministerial code.
“It is important that we maintain our reputation for high standards of probity in public life but equally that we ask ourselves from time to time how effectively the watchdogs of ethics and propriety are operating and whether there is room for improvement,” said committee chairman Tony Wright.
“The question of who guards the guardians is important, both for ensuring proper accountability and enhancing their effectiveness.”
