Ministerial Code

Ministers must comply with the Code of Conduct and Guidance on Procedures for Ministers produced by the Cabinet Office and endorsed by the Prime Minister. It requires Ministers to uphold the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

According to the code, Ministers must be 'accurate and truthful' in their dealings with Parliament and comply with the principle of collective responsibility. Failure to do either would be expected to result in resignation. Its provision covers conflicts of interest, both financial and personal and relating to constituency matters.

The Code also extends to former Ministers with regard to their employment in the two years following leaving office and to the contents of memoirs.

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