Chamberlain challenges Sunak over ministers’ conduct

North East Fife MP Wendy Chamberlain has today challenged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over the conduct of ministers at PMQs. She called on him to support the Bill which she has put forward which would compel ministers to undertake annual ethics training.

Following Prime Minister’s Questions, Ms Chamberlain put forward a Bill which would require ministers to undertake annual training on ethics and standards, following claims that home secretary Suella Braverman again breached the ministerial code. Since Rishi Sunak became prime minister, a number of ministers have left government in disgrace including Nadhim Zahawi, Gavin Williamson and most recently Dominic Raab.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Wendy Chamberlain said:

“Before I was elected I worked for a number of years in learning and development in both the police and the private sector. And I’m sure we can all agree that training is absolutely vital to encourage innovation, creativity, but also for compliance. Given that seems to be a particular issue for the Prime Minister’s cabinet at present, will he agree to support my ministerial training standards Bill that I’ll be presenting later today?”

She later added:

“Rishi Sunak promised integrity, accountability and professionalism in his government, but time and time again ministers have fallen short of the standards the public rightly expect. Governments which are mired in scandal can’t focus on solving the big problems the country faces. But Rishi Sunak seemed to content to carry on as if nothing has happened.”