What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Westminster sleaze busters have ruled MPs can hang on to their cushy second jobs - but posts must not “compromise their principal role as an MP”.

Some politicians pockets hundreds of thousands of pounds a year working as company directors, barristers and advisers to big business.

The independent Committee on Standards in Public Life today says they can keep the roles, but demands more transparency.

(Image: PA)

Launching the report, committee chairman Lord Bew said: “A majority of MPs do not hold remunerated outside interests, and a number of MPs hold outside interests which would be considered within ‘reasonable limits’.

“However, where a small number of individuals have taken up outside interests beyond what might be considered reasonable, it risks undermining trust in Parliament and parliamentarians.

“We are therefore recommending a package of important reforms to address issues concerning MPs’ capacity to fulfil their parliamentary duties and responsibilities to their constituents and to mitigate the potential for undue influence on our political system.

“To demonstrate high standards, Parliament needs to be more transparent with the public about the registration and declaration of interests.”

(Image: Getty)





He added: “The Register of Members’ Financial Interests must be more accessible, searchable and usable.

“Voters should know what outside interests Parliamentary candidates intend to hold if they are elected.

“The Code of Conduct for MPs should be clarified to state that any MP’s interests outside the House should not compromise their principal role as MPs.

“We also recommend that MPs should not undertake outside employment as Parliamentary strategists, advisers or consultants and that the rules on lobbying need to be clearer.”