News Release issued by
the COI News Distribution Service on 09 September 2010
The Committee on
Standards in Public Life today published a consultation paper
setting out the key issues and questions on which it intends to
focus during its inquiry into party political finance.
The Committee, chaired by Sir Christopher Kelly, is an
independent body which reports to the Prime Minister on standards
in public life across the UK.
Launching the inquiry at the Committee's annual open
meeting in London, Sir Christopher Kelly said:
"It is obvious that there are significant concerns about
the funding arrangements of our political parties, in particular
the reliance of all the major parties on big donors. A commitment
to reform was included in all three manifestoes. So there is
acceptance of the need for change but as yet no agreement on the detail.
"The Committee hopes that by undertaking a full,
independent and evidence-based look at this issue, we can produce
recommendations for change that will enhance public confidence in
the way parties are funded. We recognise that this inquiry may
involve some complex issues for all the parties.
"We are publishing a consultation paper today and
calling for evidence from interested organisations and individuals
as well as the public. The Committee will begin a series of public
hearings later in the Autumn where we will take evidence from a
wide range of witnesses."
The Issues and Questions paper is available from www.public-standards.org.uk
or by calling 0207 276 2589.
Notes to Editors
Media enquiries should go to Maggie O'Boyle.
1. The Committee on Standards in Public Life is an Advisory
Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by the Cabinet
Office. The Chair and Members are appointed by the Prime Minister.
The Committee was established in October 1994 with the following
terms of reference: "To examine current concerns about
standards of conduct of all holders of public office, including
arrangements relating to financial and commercial activities, and
make recommendations as to any changes in present arrangements
which might be required to ensure the highest standards of
propriety in public life. Additional terms of reference were
announced on 12 November 1997: "To review issues in
relation to the funding of political parties, and to make
recommendations as to any changes in present
arrangements."
2. The current members of the Committee are: Sir Christopher
Kelly KCB, Chairman, Rt Hon Lord Alderdice, Lloyd Clarke QPM,
Oliver Heald MP, Rt Hon Alun Michael JP MP, Sir Derek Morris MA
DPhil, Dame Denise Platt DBE, David Prince CBE, Dr Elizabeth
Vallance JP, Dr Brian Woods-Scawen DL CBE.
3. The Committee announced it would be holding a full inquiry
into the funding of political parties on 20 July 2010. At
transcript of the exploratory hearing and additional information
about the Committee and its work is available on the
Committee's website www.publicstandards.org.uk
Issued by:
The Committee on Standards in Public Life
35 Great Smith
Street
London
SW1P 3BQ
www.public-standards.org.uk
public@standards.gsi.gov.uk
Committee on Standards
in Public Life
Contacts:
NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the issuing dept
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Maggie O'Boyle
Phone: 0207 276 2594
Mobile: 07880 740627
maggieob1@btinternet.com