Time to clean up politics
Our challenge for the House of Commons Modernisation Committee
Restrict second jobs
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.
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.
Tackle lying in Parliament
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.
A job description for MPs
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 must show up for work
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.
More flexibility for MPs
The role of an MP is harder to manage for anyone with caring responsibilities or disabilities.
There are no opportunities for part-time working. This dramatically reduces the talent pool of people in politics.
Allowing job sharing would be a game changer for people with young children, carers, as well as any other potential parliamentarians keen to be an MP but unable to undertake the role full time.
Let ACOBA enforce rules
Former ministers should not jump into lobbying roles where they can exploit their insider information and government contacts.
ACOBA is supposed to stop this, but has no enforcement powers. They are stuck writing strongly worded letters.
It's time to give ACOBA some teeth.