Watchdog calls for tighter code of conduct

Monday, 7 November 2005 12:00 AM

The head of parliament's standards watchdog has called for a review of the ministerial code in the aftermath of David Blunkett's resignation.

Committee on Standards in Public Life chairman Sir Alistair Graham said rules for the code of conduct might "need tightening", so as to avoid any further ministerial embarrassments.

Mr Blunkett resigned last week after it was revealed that he had not followed the correct protocol when accepting a board position at DNA Bioscience, during his time out of the cabinet.

His opponents said his failure to seek advice from an independent committee which offers ministers guidance over taking up jobs outside government was a clear breach of the code.

Sir Alistair said more needed to be done to ensure greater ethical integrity, in order for the public to maintain trust in ministers.

He told the Independent on Sunday: "It is very important that ministers are seen to be subject to a rigorous ethical regime."

"They [ministers] have a relatively lenient regime, so when a breach of those rules takes place it's very important something happens," he added.

Sir Alistair criticised prime minister Tony Blair for failing to punish Mr Blunkett for his breach, instead accepting his resignation.

He added that Mr Blair should co-operate with other parties in forming an independent team made up of very senior people, which would investigate any claims of ministerial impropriety.

"That way the prime minister can determine on objective evidence and investigation whether a minister is to lose office," the committee chairman said.

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