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Code of Conduct for MPs set out

Summary

The purpose of the 'Code of Conduct' is to assist Members of Parliament in the discharge of their obligations to the House of Commons, their constituents and the public at large.

It does this by:

  • (a) providing guidance on the standards of conduct expected of Members in discharging their parliamentary and public duties; and in so doing
  • (b) providing the openness and accountability necessary to reinforce public confidence in the way in which Members perform those duties.

Members are expected to observe the general principles of conduct identified by the Committee on Standards in Public Life:

  • selflessness;
  • integrity;
  • objectivity;
  • accountability;
  • openness;
  • honesty; and
  • leadership.

'The Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members' assists members in discharging the duties placed upon them by the Code of Conduct.

It covers:

  • registration of Members' financial interests;
  • declaration of members' interests;
  • lobbying for reward or consideration; and
  • procedure for complaints.

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Law-Making Explained

This is a House of Commons Paper (HC 735, 2008-09). It is the Code of Conduct together with the Guide to the Rules Relating to the Conduct of Members.

Find out more about House of Commons Papers.

How does it affect me?

If you are interested in the standards to which Members of Parliament are expected to adhere when performing their parliamentary and public duties, this affects you.

Further Reading

Find out more about standards in public life


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