Register of Interests and Code of Conduct

All MPs are expected to uphold the highest standards of probity and conduct. To this end they must declare their financial - and some other - interests in the Register of Members' Interests and they must abide by a the Code of Conduct of Members of Parliament.

The system of standards is ultimately the responsibility of the Committee on Standards and Privileges. It oversees the work of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards who maintains and monitors the register and the code and advises the committee on it. The commissioner also receives and investigates complaints against MPs on which it reports to the committee.

The committee may then make recommendations to the House on action to be taken against an erring member.