Shadow Leader of the House gives view on handling of important announcements
Next Wednesday, the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) will continue its inquiry into Ministerial Statements and the Ministerial Code.
The Ministerial Code sets out the standards of conduct expected of ministers. However, concern has been raised that several ministers have failed to follow the Code by making major policy announcements to the media rather than announcing them to the House first, as stated in a letter from Mr Speaker to the Committee.
Meeting details
In the last session, the Committee questioned Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, who said that she did not feel this Government had breached the Ministerial Code in relation to announcing the most important policies to the House first. She also added that while the principle is clear, the wording of the Ministerial Code on handling major announcements is subjective.
Now the Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, will be questioned on whether the Ministerial Code is clear and is being adequately followed and enforced.
MPs may also ask if the issue of announcing major government policy to the media first raises concerns about whether Parliament is being adequately respected.