PM's ministerial watchdog "far from independent"

No investigations took place under Sir John Bourn's tenure

Monday, 12, May 2008 12:01

MPs have poured scorn on the idea that the prime minister's watchdog for ministerial conduct is independent from Downing Street.

The public administration select committee has attacked Gordon Brown for claiming Sir Philip Mawer, the current watchdog, is independent.

Its report, published today, notes with concern the fact that Sir Philip can be dismissed at any time, relies on the Cabinet Office for staff and funding and has minimal "public visibility".

"Until these defects are remedied, we have difficulty accepting the suggestion that the new investigator can meaningfully be considered to be independent," the report notes.

Chairman Tony Wright said it was wrong that Mr Brown "still acts as judge, jury and executioner" when it comes to ministerial indiscretion.

"Genuine independence of action is needed. If the new regulatory system is to have credibility, decisions on when to investigate must be taken out of the political sphere," he added.

Former prime minister Tony Blair set up the post of independent adviser on ministerial interests in March 2006 and it was initially filled by ex-National Audit Office chief Sir John Bourn.

Sir John did not launch any investigations against ministers, but Mr Brown reassured MPs when he took office last summer the re-launched post would have significantly greater powers.

These have not yet been fully realised, today's report concludes.

"Until the changes we outline have taken place, it is inappropriate to refer to the new investigator as an independent adviser," it says.

"We therefore urge the prime minister to adopt the committee’s recommendations for change, and in so doing to build upon the significant improvements already made to the machinery for investigating the conduct of ministers."