Commentary: Conflict of MPs' interest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MPs' salaries are low by the standards of professional London, so it is accepted that many seek outside jobs. Disclosure is important in these cases, but so is the avoidance of any appearance of a conflict of interest. John Watts, chairman of the Treasury select committee, stood down last month from the BCCI inquiry, because a client of his accountancy firm was a creditor of the bank.
Michael Clark, who has wide energy industry experience, has been a valuable member of the trade and industry committee inquiry into British Coal. If, as expected, he becomes an adviser to British Gas in the new year, the committee's report will be devalued in public eyes, no matter how impartial a role he played in private. He should step down from the inquiry immediately.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments