Vithanage Madhushani, Jadetimes Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political.
Standards Committee Chair Calls for Fairer Approach to MP Accountability
The newly appointed chair of the Commons Standards Committee, Conservative MP Alberto Costa, has argued that Members of Parliament should not be expected to meet saint like standards of conduct. Instead, he is calling for a more compassionate and pragmatic approach to holding MPs accountable, particularly for minor breaches of parliamentary rules.
Costa’s comments, made in an interview with The House magazine, suggest that while MPs should uphold high standards, sanctions for minor infractions that do not involve corruption should be less severe. His remarks come as Parliament continues to grapple with issues surrounding misconduct, ethical standards, and public trust in its representatives.
Balancing Integrity with Realism: Standards Committee Chair’s Perspective
Alberto Costa, elected as chair of the Commons Standards Committee in September 2023, is pushing for a shift in how MPs’ conduct is scrutinized and penalized. Costa believes that the rigid expectations placed on MPs sometimes overlook the human element of fallibility.
"I am not, and never have been, a saint. I am a fallible human being like anyone else," Costa explained. He added that requiring perfection from MPs could discourage "normal people" from standing for election those who reflect the diversity and reality of everyday life.
Differentiating Minor Mistakes from Major Misconduct
Costa expressed concerns about instances where MPs are penalized for administrative errors, such as failing to declare a modest interest within the 28 day deadline. He argued that such minor breaches should not result in public apologies or harsh punishments. "It’s very easy to make a small administrative error," he said, adding that focusing excessively on trivial issues risks diverting attention from more serious breaches of parliamentary rules.
Using former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier’s case as an example, Costa questioned the proportionality of the punishment. Ferrier was suspended from Parliament and subsequently unseated in a by election after breaching Covid-19 lockdown rules. While acknowledging the seriousness of her actions, Costa suggested her behavior did not constitute corruption and should have been approached with greater compassion.
The Push for Compassionate Accountability
Costa emphasized the importance of distinguishing between intentional misconduct and unintentional errors. "To err is human," he said, suggesting that MPs, like anyone else, should not be condemned for minor mistakes made in good faith.
He called for a more empathetic approach that balances accountability with understanding, particularly in cases where MPs show genuine remorse or admit to unintentional lapses.
Handling Allegations of Bullying Behind Closed Doors
The Standards Committee chair also weighed in on how allegations of bullying should be handled, suggesting that private mediation and apologies could resolve some cases. Costa questioned whether the current system, which includes public investigations and resignations, is always appropriate.
"In most workplaces, complaints are mediated privately," he argued, adding that MPs should be afforded the same discretion in cases of interpersonal disputes. Costa expressed concern that it might be "too easy" to accuse MPs of bullying, potentially leading to reputational harm without due process.
Since 2020, cases involving bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct have been handled by the Independent Expert Panel, separate from the Standards Committee. Costa’s comments raise questions about whether further reforms to the system might be needed.
Maintaining High Standards Without Unrealistic Expectations
While advocating for leniency in minor cases, Costa reaffirmed that MPs should be held to a higher standard than the general public, given their responsibility to uphold the reputation of Parliament. However, he cautioned against setting standards so high that they become unattainable for anyone but "saints."
This sentiment aligns with calls for Parliament to better reflect society as a whole. Costa suggested that recruiting diverse and relatable individuals as MPs should not come at the cost of punishing human imperfections.
A Call for Transparency and Fairness in Parliamentary Oversight
The Commons Standards Committee, established in the wake of the 2009 expenses scandal, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of Parliament. The committee, which includes seven non-parliamentary members, oversees investigations into breaches of the MPs' Code of Conduct.
Costa’s remarks come at a time when public trust in politics is fragile. By advocating for proportionate responses to minor breaches, he hopes to strike a balance between ensuring accountability and fostering a more inclusive, empathetic political environment.
As Costa puts it, "When you hold up a mirror to society, you get all sorts of people." The challenge, he suggests, is to maintain high ethical standards while recognizing that no one is infallible.
Costa’s proposals highlight the ongoing debate around how to hold MPs accountable while avoiding excessive punishments for minor errors. His approach underscores the need for reforms that reflect both the realities of public life and the expectations of voters, ultimately aiming for a system that is both fair and effective.
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