UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – UK PM Keir Starmer pledges to abolish Acoba and introduce a new commission with stronger powers and financial sanctions for post-ministerial misconduct.
As reported by The Guardian, Keir Starmer plans to scrap the post-ministerial watchdog Acoba. Under the proposed system, rule-breakers will face financial penalties for the first time.
What changes has Keir Starmer proposed to replace Acoba?
The government plans to overhaul its current watchdog by bringing in a more robust system to tighten rules around post-ministerial conduct.
Officials who breach post-service rules could face financial penalties, including returning severance pay. The changes will come into force in October.
There is no current legal requirement for ex-ministers to follow Acoba’s guidance. The watchdog has no authority to impose penalties.
Ministers who quit within six months or breach the code will lose severance pay. The government aims to tighten eligibility rules.
Under the new plans, Acoba’s current role will be divided. The prime minister’s adviser on ministerial standards will take part in the responsibility. The Civil Service Commission will also review how the rules could be made stricter.
CSC will audit how rules are enforced. It reviews departments handling former civil servants.
Under the new rules, severance pay will be denied to ministers who serve less than six months. Those who return to office within three months won’t receive a salary during that period. The change aims to reduce excessive public payouts.
Ministers are currently entitled to a three-month salary payout when they leave office. This applies regardless of how long they have served. Even those who served for just days qualify.
Which new department will oversee ethics in government?
The government will launch an independent Ethics and Integrity Commission to oversee standards. Former military leader Doug Chalmers will head the new body, which replaces the CSPL set up under John Major.
The new body must report each year to the prime minister on the overall state of ethical standards. It will also assist other public sector organisations in establishing clear codes of conduct and proper oversight.
The EIC will be tasked with reporting cases promptly, following past criticism that CSPL findings were often dismissed. However, no specific deadlines have been outlined.
The body will work to improve public understanding of ethical standards. It will also coordinate with other ethics bodies to promote best practice.
Existing institutions, including the Electoral Commission and IPSA, will not be affected. The ICGS and standards commissioners for both Houses will also remain in place.
Labour pledged the EIC in 2021, with Keir Starmer saying it would end years of Tory sleaze. Its silence in updates sparked fears it was dropped.
What did Pat McFadden say about the ethics overhaul?
A cabinet minister, Pat McFadden, stated,
“This overhaul will mean there are stronger rules, fewer quangos and clearer lines of accountability. The Committee on Standards in Public Life has played an important role in the past three decades. These changes give it a new mandate for the future.”
He added,
“But whatever the institutional landscape, the public will in the end judge politicians and government by how they do their jobs and how they fulfil the principles of public service.”
What did Boris Johnson do to breach Acoba rules repeatedly?
The former prime minister Boris Johnson was among senior Tories found to have breached Acoba rules. However, no disciplinary action was taken.
He went back to his paid Telegraph job in August 2018. But the rules didn’t allow ex-ministers to take new jobs within three months.
Mr Johnson took a job at the Daily Mail in June 2023 without permission. He bypassed the ministerial appointments watchdog, despite rules requiring prior approval.
For the first time, he was penalized in April 2024 for bypassing rules. The role involved consulting for a hedge fund and meeting the Venezuelan president.
Brandon Lewis qualified for £16,876 after serving 49 days as justice secretary. Shailesh Vara and Greg Clark were also eligible for the same amount. Both held short terms during that period.
Duties of Acoba
- Advises ex-officials on new jobs to avoid conflicts.
- Enforces rules limiting jobs for two years after leaving.
- Publishes decisions but can’t enforce them fully.
- Reminds officials to get advice before new roles.
- Recommends stronger rules and tougher penalties.