Tag: ethics

Scottish Ministerial Code strengthened

Changes increase accountability and transparency  

The First Minister has published a new edition of the Scottish Ministerial Code, further strengthening the processes to support transparency, accountability and independent scrutiny. 

The new Code includes an enhanced role for Independent Advisers which allows them to initiate investigations into alleged breaches of the Ministerial Code when they feel it is warranted and without a direct referral from the First Minister. If a breach is established, advisers will be able to recommend appropriate sanctions.  
 
In addition, the Advisers will play a role in reviewing the processes in place to manage the annual review of Ministers’ declarations of interest. The Terms of Reference for the Advisers has also published for the first time. 

First Minister John Swinney said: “The updated Scottish Ministerial Code, my first as First Minister, contains the most significant changes since 2008.  
 
“The strengthening of the Code gives a clear focus on public service and duty and the enhanced role of the Independent Advisers assures greater scrutiny, transparency and accountability.   

“The new Independent Advisers Claire Loftus, Sir John Manzoni and Sir Ernest Ryder will provide invaluable advice and recommendations to me, ensuring Ministers are acting at the very highest standards of integrity and propriety.

“My thanks to former Independent Advisers Lady Elish Angiolini and James Hamilton for their many years of public service.”    

Scottish Ministerial Code 2024 edition: Scottish Ministerial Code: 2024 Edition – gov.scot

Unlock Democracy: Ministerial Code ‘gives green light to lucrative freebies’

Despite the government spin, the new ministerial code gives the green light to ministers accepting lucrative freebies, says campaign group Unlock Democracy.

There’s nothing in the new code to stop ministers from, for example, accepting expensive football or gig tickets. We have been urging the government to ban ministers and MPs from accepting freebies valued above £200.

It’s regrettable that the Prime Minister has decided not to turn the page on this issue and clearly signal to the public that his government will be different.

No change either for former ministers looking to take on other jobs outside government, even though it’s been made clear that ACOBA (Advisory Committee of Business Appointments) is not able to enforce the current rules.

A slap on the wrist provides little deterrent for former ministers with the brass neck to defy ACOBA.

The new code also goes back on the Sunak government’s intention to publish meetings with Ministers monthly.

We need to know as promptly as possible if, for example, before drafting a gambling bill, Ministers are only meeting with gambling companies. Six months later is no use.

This relative lack of progress is regrettable when it took Starmer longer than many predecessors, including Johnson, Cameron, Sunak and Brown, to reissue the Ministerial Code in the first place.

Cameron, the last LOTO (Leader of the Opposition) to become PM, took three weeks. STARMER TOOK FOUR MONTHS.

Our full statement 👇