The UK government is overhauling its standards regime by establishing a new independent Ethics and Integrity Commission, replacing the much-criticized Acoba watchdog.
Under the new rules, ministers who breach conduct standards or serve less than six months will lose their severance pay, and financial penalties will be introduced for those who break 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, set to take effect in October, have been welcomed by transparency advocates but some argue that even stronger, legally-backed rules are needed.
This marks a key manifesto commitment for the Labour government to clean up standards in public life.
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