The Constitution Unit

Constitution Unit Conference 2026: What next for standards in public life?

Episode Summary

Has the government taken sufficient steps to strengthen standards in public life? How have recent events affected its plans? And what more remains to be done?

Episode Notes

Improving standards in public life was a key plank of Labour’s promise to be different from its predecessors in government. In opposition, the party promised better behaviour and stronger systems of regulation. In office, it has introduced a number of changes, such as the creation of the promised Ethics and Integrity Commission. However, the government has faced multiple standards-related scandals, particularly in the fallout from Lord Mandelson’s appointment – and subsequent dismissal – as Ambassador to the United States. So has the government taken sufficient steps to strengthen standards in public life? How have recent events affected its plans? And what more remains to be done? 

Speakers:

• Baroness (Ruth) Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent – Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office, Baroness-in-Waiting (Government Whip), and Labour peer
• Doug Chalmers – Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission
• Dr Susan Hawley – Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption
• Lord (Mark) Pack – Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the Cabinet Office

Chair: Lisa James – Senior Research Fellow, Constitution Unit