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Ministers' rules 'need policeman' Ministers' rules 'need policeman'
(10 days later)
An independent investigator is needed to probe claims about ministers breaking political rules, say MPs.An independent investigator is needed to probe claims about ministers breaking political rules, say MPs.
The call follows the controversy over how Tony Blair handled allegations that John Prescott and Tessa Jowell broke the ministerial code of conduct.The call follows the controversy over how Tony Blair handled allegations that John Prescott and Tessa Jowell broke the ministerial code of conduct.
The prime minster has appointed Sir John Bourn to advise on conflicts of interests among ministers. The prime minister has appointed Sir John Bourn to advise on conflicts of interests among ministers.
But the Commons public administration committee says the move is a "half-way house" and does not go far enough.But the Commons public administration committee says the move is a "half-way house" and does not go far enough.
PM's decisionPM's decision
Mr Blair currently decides whether ministers have broken their code of conduct - and he can sack them for doing so.Mr Blair currently decides whether ministers have broken their code of conduct - and he can sack them for doing so.
The MPs say this system should remain, but they are worried about the way allegations are investigated.The MPs say this system should remain, but they are worried about the way allegations are investigated.
Mr Blair rejected calls for an inquiry into claims that Mr Prescott, his deputy, broke the rules when he stayed at the ranch of the man wanting a licence for a casino at the Millennium Dome.Mr Blair rejected calls for an inquiry into claims that Mr Prescott, his deputy, broke the rules when he stayed at the ranch of the man wanting a licence for a casino at the Millennium Dome.
And there were complaints from critics when the Cabinet Secretary, the UK's top civil servant, was delegated to look into claims that Culture Secretary Ms Jowell face a conflict over her husband's business interests.And there were complaints from critics when the Cabinet Secretary, the UK's top civil servant, was delegated to look into claims that Culture Secretary Ms Jowell face a conflict over her husband's business interests.
After the inquiry, Mr Blair said Ms Jowell had been cleared of breaking the ministerial code.After the inquiry, Mr Blair said Ms Jowell had been cleared of breaking the ministerial code.
'Overdue''Overdue'
In a report, the public administration committee calls for a way of investigating such complaints which is "manifestly independent" of government.In a report, the public administration committee calls for a way of investigating such complaints which is "manifestly independent" of government.
The investigator should look only at establishing the facts of the case and make the findings public, it says.The investigator should look only at establishing the facts of the case and make the findings public, it says.
The prime minister would then judge whether any action should be taken.The prime minister would then judge whether any action should be taken.
Committee chairman Tony Wright said the move was "long overdue".Committee chairman Tony Wright said the move was "long overdue".
"This would benefit not just public confidence but also the interests of the prime minister, the government and especially those at the centre of allegations who deserve a fair hearing," he said."This would benefit not just public confidence but also the interests of the prime minister, the government and especially those at the centre of allegations who deserve a fair hearing," he said.
"It is puzzling why the government has resisted previous calls for independent investigation."It is puzzling why the government has resisted previous calls for independent investigation.
"Those making such allegations would then have to put up or shut up.""Those making such allegations would then have to put up or shut up."
Mr Wright said the move would reduce the "regular frenzy" surrounding complaints and give a more informed basis for making political judgements.Mr Wright said the move would reduce the "regular frenzy" surrounding complaints and give a more informed basis for making political judgements.
The committee for standards in public life has also called for a way of independently investigating complaints.The committee for standards in public life has also called for a way of independently investigating complaints.
Its chairman, Sir Alistair Graham, said Mr Blair had paid a "heavy price" for ignoring the importance of upholding standards in public life.Its chairman, Sir Alistair Graham, said Mr Blair had paid a "heavy price" for ignoring the importance of upholding standards in public life.