In a significant overhaul of parliamentary protocols, ministers who breach serious ministerial rules will no longer receive exit pay-outs starting from October 2025. This decision is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing standards within the political landscape. The government believes these changes will help restore public trust and accountability in a system often perceived as marred by misconduct.
The reforms also extend to former ministers. Those who accept employment positions that contravene post-government employment rules will be required to repay any severance payments received. This measure is indicative of the government’s intention to impose stricter regulations and ensure adherence to ethical standards.
As part of this extensive reform, the current watchdog responsible for overseeing these matters, which has faced criticism for lacking effectiveness, will be disbanded. The Advisory Committee for Business Appointments (Acoba), tasked with scrutinizing job offers for former ministers to prevent conflicts of interest, will see its functions reallocated among existing agencies.
Newly created, the Ethics and Integrity Commission will take over the responsibilities previously held by Acoba and evolve from the existing Committee on Standards in Public Life, which advises the prime minister. This Commission will gain the authority to disallow exit payments to former ministers who violate the Ministerial Code, emphasizing the government’s focus on higher ethical standards in politics.
The chair position of the Ethics and Integrity Commission will be held by Lieutenant General Doug Chalmers, a distinguished former military leader who plays a crucial role in steering the commission’s efforts in maintaining accountability.
Current regulations allow ministers to leave office with severance pay equivalent to three months’ salary, regardless of their duration in the role. This has led to public outcry, particularly when ministers receive payments worth thousands for only a few weeks of service, an issue highlighted during Liz Truss’s brief tenure as Prime Minister. To address these grievances, the newly implemented rules dictate that ministers who exit after serving less than six months or following a significant breach of conduct will not receive such payments. Additionally, should they return to office within three months, they will forfeit their salary during this intervening period.
In addition to these measures, the system that regulates the appointment of former ministers is being fortified. Any substantial rule breaches will now lead to former ministers facing financial penalties, reinforcing a culture of accountability. The revised approach applies not only to ministers but also extends to civil servants and special advisors, whose obligation to seek advice on post-government roles will remain in place for one or two years, depending on their rank at the time of departure.
However, Acoba’s advisory measures have historically lacked enforcement power, creating scenarios where officials like Boris Johnson disregarded guidelines without consequences. This ineffectiveness resulted in calls for a more robust regulatory framework, prompting the current government shift towards the establishment of stronger oversight structures.
Responses to these changes have been mixed across the political spectrum. The Liberal Democrats have applauded the reforms as a progressive step following years of perceived corruption and ethical failures under prior Conservative administrations. They criticized Acoba’s lack of authority, likening it to a “chocolate teapot” in its usefulness. Conversely, some opposition leaders view this initiative as merely a “cosmetic re-brand” of existing supervisory bodies, questioning its effectiveness.
Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden has underscored that despite the institutional changes, it is ultimately the performance and integrity of politicians that will dictate public perceptions and trust. This sentiment highlights the necessity for ongoing vigilance in the relationship between leaders, regulations, and public accountability, as these new policies take effect and shape the future standards in public office.
Ultimately, this comprehensive reform indicates a notable shift towards prioritizing ethical governance, and as the established order is re-evaluated, the spotlight will remain on the political landscape to gauge effectiveness and adherence to these newly introduced principles.
