Petition · past parliament · Cabinet Office

Introduce an independent body to enforce the Ministerial Code

Closed 441 signatures

What the petition asks

We want the process for enforcing the Ministerial Code to be strengthened, with an independent body established to consider allegations of breaches, and decide on any sanctions, in a clear and consistent way. This would better reflect processes that apply to other professions.
Currently the Prime Minister can decide to take no action even if there is evidence of behaviour that would result in any other professional being instantly dismissed.

Ministers have been allowed to continue in post even when there has been evidence of serious wrongdoing. This erodes confidence in the Government and allows poor and unacceptable behaviour to continue. We believe the Government is setting a very poor example by allowing unacceptable behaviour not having consequences.

Timeline

17 Nov 2022 Petition opened for signatures
17 May 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 441
Status Closed
Department Cabinet Office
Opened 17 Nov 2022
Closed 17 May 2023

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