MPS who mount ‘excessive’ online personal attacks face penalties

MPS WHO launch “excessive” personal attacks on rivals on social media could be investigated by Parliament’s standards watchdog under a package of measures to clean up Westminster.

Under the proposed changes, MPS could be investigated if they launch into “unreasonable” tirades online, verbally or in writing, in a way that risks bringing Parliament into disrepute. The proposal has been put forward by the Commons’ standards committee as part of its review into the MPS’ code of conduct, which has come under scrutiny in the wake of the Owen Paterson case and wider allegations of sleaze.

In its report, published yesterday, the committee revealed that Kathryn Stone, the commissioner for standards, had received hundreds of complaints concerning MPS’ alleged “abusive”, “disrespectful” and “downright” misleading social media posts over the course of a year. However, it stressed that the proposal was not seeking to police the truth or legitimacy of MPS’ views, as this risked being seen as a “significant erosion of free speech”. Instead, the committee argued that the measure was aimed at curbing abusive content targeted at individuals which “can be widely disseminated in a way which may not break the law but which, in extreme cases, can be regarded as disreputable”.

The report also recommends that MPS abide by a new principle of “respect”, requiring them to demonstrate “anti-discriminatory attitudes and behaviours through the promotion of anti-racism, inclusion and diversity”.

Amid wider concerns over second jobs and lobbying, the committee has also recommended an “outright ban” on MPS providing paid parliamentary advice, consultancy or strategic services to private firms. It has also recommended ending the exemption which allows senior politicians to avoid registering gifts or hospitality they receive in a ministerial capacity.

The plans would also seek to clarify a grey area in the rules whereby MPS with jobs as private consultants are able to use a public interest exemption in order to raise certain issues with ministers.

However, the committee appears to have distanced itself from the PM’S calls for MPS with second jobs to limit the number of hours they work outside Parliament. The committee will consult on its plans before putting final recommendations to the Commons next year.

♦ Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, has referred himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards in relation to an “oversight”, the party has said. Sir Ed is listed on the website as being under investigation for a possible breach of provisions in the MPS’ Code of Conduct relating to the full disclosure of financial interests.

A Lib Dem source suggested that it related to a “minor clerical error”.