MP hits out at claims govt want to ‘junk’ parliamentary standards watchdog

A Conservative MP has defended the government’s controversial plans to reform the parliamentary standards watchdog, ahead of today’s vote on whether to approve former minister Owen Paterson’s recommended six-week ban from Parliament.

An amendment tabled to the motion yesterday evening by another ex-minister, Dame Andrea Leadsom recommends that “the current standards system should give Members of Parliament the same or similar rights as apply to those subject to investigations of alleged misconduct in other workplaces and professions”, which would entail the “right of representation, examination of witness and appeal”.

Lucy Allan, the Member of Parliament for Telford, said via Twitter this morning: “In any workplace disciplinary action you are entitled to: know the case against you, have a fair hearing, and to an appeal. If you are unhappy with the outcome, you can then apply to a tribunal. MPs should be treated no less favourably in their workplace.”

Her remarks came in response to a tweet from Sam Coates, Deputy Political Editor at Sky News, claiming: “Whips want to junk the ENTIRE system which aimed to curb MPs involvement in policing their own rules and conduct,” and that: “There’s a “Andrea Leadsom amendment” which refuses to endorse the punishment for OP and sets up a talking shop to discuss replacing the existing investigation system.”