Leader and Shadow Leader of the House face questions on handling of major announcements
Next Wednesday, the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) will hold a public evidence session as part of its inquiry into Ministerial Statements and the Ministerial Code.
The Ministerial Code sets out the standards of conduct expected of minsters. However, recently concern has been raised that several ministers have failed to follow the code by making major policy announcements to the media instead of announcing them to the House first, as stated in a letter from Mr Speaker to the Committee.
Meeting details
MPs will first question Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell MP. This will then be followed by a separate discussion with Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, Jesse Norman MP. The Committee is likely to ask both witnesses if the Ministerial Code is being adequately followed and enforced.
As the Prime Minister determines if sanctions are needed for any breaches, the Committee may also ask if witnesses believe that this responsibility is best held by the Prime Minister and whether the right sanctions are in place.
MPs may also ask if the issue of announcing major government policy to the media first raises concerns about whether Parliament is being respected.