The UK government has launched a major shake-up of its ethics oversight. On Monday, it formally closed the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba). Critics often called the committee toothless. The government will now split its responsibilities between two existing regulators as part of a wider plan to restore public trust in politics.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled the changes and promised a “robust new approach” to tackling ministerial misconduct. The government created a new Ethics and Integrity Commission to oversee other regulators. The commission takes over duties from the former Committee on Standards in Public Life. Doug Chalmers, a former senior soldier, will lead the commission.
The government also introduced stricter rules on severance pay. Ministers who lose their jobs due to serious misconduct will not receive payments. Ministers who serve less than six months will also forgo the money. Standard severance payments usually total around £17,000. The new rule aims to increase accountability.
Post-government jobs will now fall under two authorities. Sir Laurie Magnus, the independent adviser on ministerial standards, will handle former ministers. The Civil Service Commission will oversee ex-civil servants and former government special advisers.
A government statement said that public service is a privilege. The reforms aim to rebuild public confidence in politics. A cabinet minister called the commission central to maintaining high standards. Critics warn that the reforms mostly reorganize oversight. The commission cannot enforce rules directly. Its success will depend on how effectively it ensures other bodies do their jobs.
The government now faces close scrutiny as it seeks to prove that the shake-up will deliver real results in accountability and integrity.
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