Committee on Standards launches inquiry into MPs' outside interests and employment
31 January 2025
The Committee on Standards is inquiring into whether there should be changes to the rules relating to outside interests and employment in the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.
The terms of reference for the inquiry are as follows:
- To consider the benefits and risks of Members retaining outside interests and employment to the functioning of the House, including in relation to expertise and public perception.
- To review the effectiveness of the current rules in the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament with regards to regulating outside interests and employment.
- To consider proposals for a qualified prohibition on outside interests, including rules-based or principles-based approaches, and their benefits.
- To consider mechanisms for transparency, monitoring and enforcement of any new rules or principles.
- To draw upon lessons from other legislatures or professions.
Oral evidence
The Committee held its first evidence session with the Chair of the Modernisation Committee on Tuesday 14 January.
Further evidence sessions will be announced in due course and will be published on the Committee’s webpages.
Further information
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