The prime minister has a duty to ensure ministers adhere to basic standards. His decision to overrule his own adviser must be reviewed
- Dave Penman is the general secretary of the FDA union
“The most important thing is those who break the rules must be investigated and should be punished.” These words were uttered by the prime minister at Cop26, after a week where standards in public life have come into sharp focus. I am sure many people will find they ring hollow, given the recent actions of Boris Johnson and the government he leads.
For an investigation to hold any weight, those making a complaint must have confidence in the process and those making the final decision must not have a conflict of interest – pretty basic stuff. However, this is where the current investigations under the ministerial code – the only mechanism to hold ministers to account for their conduct – fall wildly short, as the prime minister is the sole arbiter, acting as the judge and jury in any cases that reach his desk.
Dave Penman is the general secretary of the FDA union
