MPs could face a crackdown on paid TV appearances under new House of Commons rules designed to drive up standards and improve parliament’s culture.
The newly formed modernisation committee has published a memorandum committing to tighten rules on second jobs and consider reforms to rules governing MPs “outside paid engagements”.
Channels including GB News and LBC have shows hosted by serving MPs. The committee will assess whether such shows provide a benefit to the public or present a conflict of interest.
The modernisation committee, pledged in Labour’s manifesto, has been tasked with reforming House of Commons procedures and driving up standards in public life.
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The committee said it “should consider what advantages, if any, outside paid engagements such as media appearances, journalism and speeches furnish to the public, versus the potential conflicts of interest and attention that arise from such paid endeavours”.
The newly published memorandum added that the committee will “consult closely with the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, who is best placed to advise on the practicability of any further changes to the rules governing members’ outside interests”.
Commenting on the modernisation committee’s priorities, Leader of the House of Commons and chair Lucy Powell said: “It is a great privilege to serve constituents as a Member of Parliament, but this privilege requires us to embody the very highest standards. As we turn the page in this Parliament following the events of the last, the Modernisation Committee will find ways to do things better.
“Building consensus for reforms, we’ll set out to drive up standards, improve the culture and working practices and reform procedures to make the House of Commons more open and accessible to people from all walks of life.
“We’re committed to working with the other committees with an interest in this area and to seeking views from MPs from all parties and none, their staff, House staff, and wider stakeholders. Old and new Members have expressed enthusiasm about the Committee’s work and there is some consensus emerging already about the path forward.
“There’s much to do, and we’re looking forward to getting started.”
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