Petition · past parliament · Cabinet Office

Set up a new, open, way to investigate the conduct of Special Political Advisers

Closed 696 signatures

What the petition asks

Past investigations of complaints about Special Political Advisers have not responded directly to public concern, are seen not to have been transparent and have damaged trust in many UK Administrations of different political hues. The Committee on Standards in Public Life should be given the job.
The Committee on Standards in Public Life advises the Prime Minister on the Nolan Principles of Public Life, to which UK public appointees (but not explicitly Special Political Advisers) have been subject since the 1990's. It would be well placed to investigate complaints of misconduct. Investigations should be started at the request of Ministers, Parliament, any Regulator affected by a complaint or 1000 members of the public. The results and any recommended sanctions should be published

Timeline

17 Aug 2020 Petition opened for signatures
17 Feb 2021 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 696
Status Closed
Department Cabinet Office
Opened 17 Aug 2020
Closed 17 Feb 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.