Call for anti-sleaze panel rejected
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.The Prime Minister was widely criticised for saying last week that David Blunkett had left the Government "without a stain" on his record. MPs want Mr Blair to give up his role as judge and jury when ministers have fallen foul of the rules. But he said yesterday that he would not "sub-contract" decisions over who he sacked to an independent panel.
Sir Alistair Graham, chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, told The Independent on Sunday that such a panel would help to ensure ministers were held to a "rigorous and ethical regime".
But at his monthly press conference yesterday, Mr Blair said: "The only person who decides who is in the government or not in the end is the Prime Minister. You can't subcontract that decision. That is why I didn't agree with the recommendation."
Mr Blunkett resigned after failing to consult properly over his purchase of £15,000 of shares in a DNA company that could have been involved in bidding for government contracts.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments