Head of MPS’ sleaze watchdog quits
THE long-serving head of the Commons sleaze watchdog has quit and accused Parliament of “sacrificing transparency” by banning the naming of MPS being investigated.
Sir Kevin Barron MP will step down after eight years as chairman of the Standards and Privileges Committees next month. Sir Kevin said he was “proud of the changes made to the code of conduct over the years, including the recent introduction of a new system of investigation into bullying and sexual harassment”.
But he added: “It is a shame that some of those changes had to come with the sacrifice of transparency.”
In July, Sir Kevin attacked his fellow MPS for agreeing to keep secret the details of all MPS under investigation as a result of a package of reforms designed to make it easier for staff to complain about bullying MPS.
Since 2010, the details of all MPS under inquiry, as well as rulings, had been automatically published. The rules were introduced following the parliamentary expenses scandal.
However, as part of the new plans the details of MPS being probed over misconduct were deleted from Parliament’s website.
In addition to hiding current inquiries, the commissioner also now no longer automatically publishes her verdicts.
The lay members of the Committee on Standards said at the time that this was “a detrimental step in continuing
‘It is a shame that some of those code of conduct changes had to come with the sacrifice of transparency’
to build the credibility of the reputation of the House.” In his statement, Sir Kevin paid tribute to the lay members who had been “a very welcome and successful change during my time on the Standards Committee.
“I hope their role goes from strength to strength over the years to come and their presence will continue to provide reassurance over the independence of the committee.”
Sir Kevin was caught up in a row over expenses when The Telegraph disclosed in 2012 that he was claiming £1,500 a month to rent a home belonging to Jon Trickett, who was a shadow cabinet member.
Sir Kevin said at the time that while the arrangement was “within the rules, in retrospect it would have been better not to have rented off a colleague”.