MPs Could Face Restrictions on Paid Media Work
A new parliamentary group is set to investigate if paid media jobs held by MPs benefit the public or create a conflict of interest. The aim is to ensure trust in parliament and possibly bring stricter rules for MPs working on TV or radio.
New Committee to Examine Paid Media Work
The newly-formed Modernisation Committee has been tasked with reviewing MPs’ second jobs. This promise was made in Labour’s manifesto, which aimed to raise standards and improve the operations of the House of Commons.
Focus on Outside Paid Jobs
The committee, which first met for the first time, prioritises paid media appearances. It will investigate whether such roles, including hosting TV shows or writing columns, are beneficial to the public or if they present ethical concerns.
Public Interest or Conflict of Interest?
The committee’s primary goal is to decide if MPs taking on paid media jobs, such as TV shows, journalism, and public speeches, conflicts with their primary duty to serve their constituents. To help with this, they will work with the standards commissioner, who will advise if these outside roles should face new rules.
Controversy Over High Earnings
The decision to investigate comes after some MPs were revealed to earn large sums from these jobs. For example, some MPs have hosted shows on GB News and LBC, sparking concerns over how much they can make outside parliament. There is no official limit on MPs’ outside earnings, though they must declare any payment above £100 in the Register of Interests.
Chairing the Committee
Unlike most committees chaired by backbench MPs, this one is led by Lucy Powell, the current leader of the House of Commons. She expressed the importance of high standards for MPs, saying that her group will work to make the parliament more open and improve its procedures.
Setting New Standards
Powell added that the Modernisation Committee aims to “drive up standards” and create a more accessible House of Commons. They plan to seek input from MPs, their staff, House of Commons employees, and other stakeholders to find the best way forward.
Limits on Second Jobs
Though MPs are already banned from paid lobbying, there have been long-standing demands for further restrictions on second jobs. Critics argue that MPs should focus on serving the public rather than earning money through outside work.
Current Earnings from Media Work
Media appearances have come under special focus, as MPs can earn significant sums from these jobs. Recent data revealed that some MPs earned up to £233 per hour from outside work, 17 times the national average hourly wage.
For example, Nigel Farage was reported to earn £97,928 per month for his work on GB News. Other MPs, like Lee Anderson and David Lammy, have also received significant payments for media roles.
The new committee is now deciding if MPs’ media roles need stricter regulation. The aim is to ensure that MPs remain focused on serving the public without conflicts of interest from outside jobs. The outcome of this investigation could lead to major changes in the rules regarding MPs’ second jobs, particularly in the media.
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