We must change the practice of government

Can we hope for a review of the process of the management of government, particularly including the award of UK government contracts, after yet another lobbying scandal has uncovered manifest failures?

Such a review should include the role of elected politicians, not only in the initial risk assessments and tenders made before any contracts are agreed, but through the aftermath of contract implementation.

The Holyrood government made some progress in making it a criminal offence for paid politicians to take payments from outside their employment for lobbying, but this is apparently not so in Westminster. Whatever, there are still clearly loopholes in the risk assessment and process of contract awards and government expenditure incurred, at both Westminster and Holyrood.

Overcoming particular conflicts of interest, when skills and knowledge need to be maintained for those who are doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, IT specialists and others, should be allowed. Respective elected politicians can then legitimately undertake and be paid for the regular annual training and practice required by their professional bodies.

Such a rationale is strengthened if the length of service in office of any one politician is limited to two terms of government or a ten years maximum. If the UK is to have vibrant and active parliaments, the regular refreshing and turnover of members should help to avoid the entrenchment of career politicians which has for too long militated against transparency and fair dealing in the award of contracts. Clearly major changes in the practice of government are needed. Dare we hope they will happen?

ELIZABETH MARSHALL

Edinburgh