Strengthening ethical standards in government: A call to action

The approaching election offers us a chance to reiterate the importance of upholding ethical standards in government. Trust in public institutions has suffered after years of scandal in British politics, from MP’s expenses to the pandemic’s partygate, which implicated the most senior figures at the very heart of government.

Recent data from the Institute for Government (IFG) and Ipsos paints a concerning picture, suggesting a widespread perception that the systems designed to uphold ethical conduct are faltering. A staggering 65% of individuals disagree that current government officials adhere to high ethical standards, with nearly half (45%) believing the situation has worsened since 2019. Trust in political parties regarding ethical behaviour is also eroding, as evidenced by the revelation that over half of 2019 Conservative supporters lacked trust in their own party’s ethical conduct. Moreover, a quarter (26%) of respondents indicated that they would vote differently if their preferred candidate was found to have fallen short of basic ethical standards of behaviour, showcasing that misconduct remains a dealbreaker for voters.

In light of these statistics, the upcoming election is an important opportunity for both the main political parties to address how they plan to remedy this situation. However, actions speak louder than words, and tackling such high levels of public distrust will require both imagination and leadership. In the short term, this could involve committing to publishing a new ministerial code, giving the PM’s independent adviser full investigative powers, and requiring ministers to sign a legal deed of undertaking on their post-government jobs. In the longer term, public trust in the system can only be restored through structural changes, such as improving transparency of the public appointments process and strengthening protections for whistle-blowing in the civil service.?

This is, of course, about something more fundamental than just winning votes. Strengthening ethical standards in government is also a crucial factor in safeguarding the UK's economic bottom line and global competitiveness. In today's interconnected world, where reputation is paramount, a lapse in moral judgement can deter foreign investment and damage economic prospects. Conversely, a reputation for ethical governance can attract investment, enhance competitiveness, and foster economic growth. As the UK approaches its next election, it is therefore vital that ethical considerations remain central to political discourse.?

Restoring the UK’s reputation for ethical government will not happen overnight. But after the scandals of recent years, the public are growing impatient to see their politicians’ conduct? reflect their own values.