Can those in leadership positions balance a second job without compromising their responsibilities? Recent headlines have raised questions about the ethics and feasibility of “moonlighting” among high-ranking officials in the UK.
Called Out
Lib Deb Richard Foord has come forward and called out former barrister Geoffrey Cox for making millions outside his actual working time. Cox reportedly declared tax for external earnings for 2023 to the tune of over £800,000, Byline Times reported.
He’s “Absent”
Foord accused Cox of being “absent” and working longer hours on his “moonlighting” job than dedicating to the parliament. Foord mentioned Cox only participated in 4 debates for the year, showing more dedication to his other job.
Bad MP Behaviour
Foord called Cox’s behaviour “egregious” in the way he prioritises outside interests over his elected ones in parliament. According to Foord, a few MPs are also “absent” from their duties in parliament, but Cox made over £1million in 2021.
Doesn’t Vote and Participate
Foord expressed that Cox even had a proxy vote from over 6,000km (4,000 miles) away on his behalf.
Significant Earnings
Cox has made substantial earnings for just 500 hours of moonlighting work and about 66 full working days, according to Byline Times.
New Laws
Lucy Powell, leader of the House of Commons, said there were “loopholes that needed closing.” New laws would exempt the MPs from having outside activities that would serve as “conflicts of attention.”
No Longer Use Position to Gain
Personal gain is a strict no. While MPs were overlooked for generating side income or using their position for personal gain, Lucy Powell has laid down the law that it won’t be so.
Standing Together With New Rules
MPs showed their support for the House of Commons leader’s decision in a unanimous vote. The House of Commons leader’s decision to instil the new law overriding former “exemptions.” Instead, MPs would no longer be allowed to take on other work interests apart from their actual duties in parliament, Byline Times reported.
No More Mishaps
Powell also said implementing the new laws would guide MPs in preventing scandals, as well as the one associated with MP Owen Patterson. Patterson was involved in a “Lobbying scandal” that ultimately led him to a 30-day suspension. However, according to The Independent, Patterson left politics by resigning before the suspension could take effect.
Making Money Apart From Parliament Income
MPs like Patterson had earned over an estimated £100,000 offering MP services to two companies that weren’t part of his parliamentary responsibilities. Patterson’s investigation involved Lynn’s Country Foods and Randox, The Independent reported.
Lack of Commitment?
MPs like Owen Patterson and Cox showed a sense of absence and lack of commitment to parliamentary courses and decisions. Instead, used their MP status for “personal gain.”
Modernisation Commitee
BBC reported the new implementations would include something called a “modernisation committee.” The committee would comprise 14 members who would help manage and implement the new laws smoothly. The modernisation committee is also charged with improving trust and the political system.
The Goal Is Improving
According to Byline Times, the laws to improve the overall rules for politics and MPs include amending and improving the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme. The scheme governs everything related to MP complaints and parliamentary staff issues.
Approved by Sir Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer had promised to ban MPs from taking on secondary jobs except with “very limited exceptions.” In a speech, it was one of the first things labour government pledged to do. The next rule is ending the “revolving door “ between government and the companies it is supposed to regulate,” Starmer said.
A Ban From Working Outside After Politics for Five Years
Prime Minister Starmer had said the ban would extend for five years after the MP member has left or completed their term in parliament.
No Shell Donations
According to BBC reports, Starmer speaks of an implementation to stop donations from shell companies coming into Europe as the former Tory government allowed.
Other MPs Voiced Thoughts
Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery said, “Being an MP is not a hobby, it is not just something that people can just fancy doing…This is a full-time job, plus.” Lavery said his opinion is that if MPs don’t see it as a full-time job, then they’re not “doing their job.”
A Fortune
MPs earned a “fortune,” more than £90,000 compared to other industries, Lavery said. He urged MPs to take their work seriously.
Code of Conduct
BBC News reported the MPs Code of Conduct would commence at the end of this year and take full effect.
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