Repeatedly of late, we’ve seen cases where at the very least the perception exists that there are inadequate investigative and enforcement mechanisms around standards in public life and holding politicians to account.
https://twitter.com/gabriel_pogrund/status/1376801698610618375
What mechanisms do exist have in some cases been diminished. So for example, the Prime Minister’s independent adviser on the ministerial standards Sir Alex Allen resigns, after the PM chose to ignore his finding that the Home Sec in beach of the code- and he has not been replaced
As I’ve pointed out many times, it’s the Prime Minister’s job to adjudicate the code. He’s judge, jury and executioner (especially in the absence of an independent adviser on ministerial standards). Given it’s his government, the potential conflict of interest is clear.
NB The Cameron case is not purely a question of the ministerial code as it relates to activity after he left office (though obviously some of it is about access he granted while he was prime minister). But again, clear extra-Whitehall enforcement mechanisms aren’t there.
.@AnnelieseDodds: “This raises further serious questions about the special access Lex Greensill was granted to the heart of government.
The public have a right to know what happened here - we need a full, transparent and thorough investigation."
The public have a right to know what happened here - we need a full, transparent and thorough investigation."
Have been working on another story for later in the week today but my colleagues are examining the issue of standards in public life on Newsnight tonight. Make sure you’re watching- 2245.
NB to all those saying we’re not covering the Arcuri story I give you tonight’s Newsnight opening sequence 
Vince Cable: “The “[lobbying] rules are weak. And we knew they were weak and they were deliberately diluted when the legislation went through Parliament when they were discussed in government. That is reprehensible.” #Newsnight
Prof Elizabeth David-Barrett, Director Centre for Study of Corruption @SussexUni: “We need to not look at it in terms of breaking rules but in terms of declining standards. Nolan Principles set v strong principles for those in public life- they’re not being upheld.” #Newsnight
Cable: “There’s a big gap following the resignation of Alex Allan...as a result of that PM isn’t submitting any returns as he’s supposed to do half yearly involving financial transactions for ministers...there isn’t this independent person at the centre demanding transparency.”
https://twitter.com/lewis_goodall/status/1376883721127788549
as I said earlier Allan’s resignation, leaves a big gap in the few internal scrutiny mechanisms which do exist. Remains extraordinary that there is no one in post- though it’s conceivable few are now interested in the job given the circumstances of Allan’s resignation.
What was I saying about internal mechanisms not working
https://twitter.com/FullFact/status/1377287067735109635?s=20
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