MP Code of conduct

The code of conduct for members of Parliament
Prepared pursuant to the Resolution of the House of 19th July 1995

I. Purpose of the Code
The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to assist Members in the discharge of their obligations to the House, their constituents and the public at large.

II. Public duty
By virtue of the oath, or affirmation, of allegiance taken by all Members when they are elected to the House, Members have a duty to be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, her heirs and successors, according to the law.

Barrie asks: “Does that ‘Law’ include the Representation of the People Act 1983, in which section 115 forbids undue influence applied to voters?”

Barrie’s commentary on the rest:
MPs are required to show selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Key expressions in the code are:
public trust, nation as a whole, public interest, accountable, open as possible, protects the public interest, example, in favour of the public interest, integrity, disrepute. In passing, and mindful off recent impropriety among MPs, it says: No improper use shall be made of any payment or allowance made to members for public purposes and the administrative rules which apply to such payments and allowances must be strictly observed.