Time to clean up politics

These reforms would help restore the public’s trust in our politics:

No more freebies

Individuals or companies giving MPs expensive gifts will be trying to influence them.

Even if nothing dodgy is going on, accepting these gifts erodes the public’s trust in our politics.

Banning MPs from accepting freebies will help prevent conflicts of interest.

MPs cannot effectively do their job while also launching a TV career or advising a hedge fund.

We need limits on the hours worked and earnings from MPs' second jobs.

Until then, MPs should publish the contracts for any outside employment they hold.

Nadine Dorries downgraded her job as an MP for almost a year. Her constituents had no power to remove her.

There isn’t another job in the UK where an employee could get away with this.

It's time for MPs to have a job description.

You can see our draft here.

MPs and Ministers must correct the parliamentary record when they say things that aren't true.

Sanctions should exist for MPs and Ministers who fail to correct the record.

Matt Hancock was still an MP when he flew to Australia for 'I'm a Celeb'.

And Boris Johnson was on holiday in the Caribbean while Parliament was sitting.

Their constituents were left with no representation at all.

MPs should face penalties for not showing up for work without good reason. Constituents should have the power to recall MPs who don’t turn up.

Former ministers should not jump into lobbying roles where they can exploit their insider information and government contacts.

The Government has announced that ex-ministers could lose their severance pay if they take jobs that create a conflict of interest.

This sounds tough, but won't always be enough of a deterrent. We need tougher, enforceable penalties.