Sleaze watchdog to investigate advisers
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.Charges that the Civil Service has been "politicised" are to be investigated by the anti-sleaze watchdog.
The role of special advisers, such as Jo Moore, and their relationship to ministers and civil servants will be examined by the Committee on Standards in Public Life.
The inquiry will ask whether special advisers have too much power over their Whitehall colleagues, and whether ministers have pushed civil servants to overstep the boundaries of political impartiality.
The powerful committee, led by Sir Nigel Wicks, will also look at parliamentary standards. It will ask whether the power of self-regulation should be taken away from MPs facing inquiries into their conduct. It will examine whether the reputation of Parliament has been damaged by continuing inquiries into members' conduct; whether the rules governing conduct are outdated; and whether political lobbyists should face greater regulation.
Elizabeth Filkin,who quit as Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards after alleging that she was the victim of a "whispering campaign" by MPs, is expected to give evidence. She will be asked whether the investigative powers she was given were sufficient.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments