The UK government is overhauling its standards regime by establishing a new independent Ethics and Integrity Commission, abolishing the much-criticized Acoba watchdog, and introducing stricter rules for ministers.
Under the new measures, ministers who breach conduct rules or serve less than six months will lose their severance pay, and financial penalties will be imposed for breaking post-ministerial lobbying rules. The reforms aim to restore public trust and accountability in government following scandals over 'golden goodbyes' and the 'revolving door' between public office and private sector jobs. The changes are set to take effect in October and fulfill a key Labour manifesto promise.
While welcomed by transparency advocates, some critics argue that even stronger, legally-backed rules are still needed.
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