I agree with those constituents who have contacted me about the need to restore trust in politics and parliament is working to address the causes of that distrust by changing our politics. For example, I support strengthening the rules on MPs’ second jobs. It is now against the rules for MPs to do work advising on public policy, current affairs and the workings of Parliament. In my view, this sends a clear message that all MPs must focus on serving our constituents and our country. The last Government did not implement a similar ban in the previous Parliament.
To help improve standards in public life, I back the new Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC), which was established in October 2025. The EIC, which was promised in my party’s manifesto at the last General Election, will promote the highest standards in public life, report to the Prime Minister on matters concerning ethical standards, and advise public authorities on the development of clear codes of conduct.
To reform Parliament, I want legislation removing hereditary peers from the House of Lords to become law as soon as possible. As your MP, I have also supported the establishment of the House of Commons Modernisation Committee. This delivers on another promise in the manifesto. The Committee is tasked with examining ways to raise standards, improve the culture of the House of Commons, and introduce better procedures and working practices.
Regarding elections to the House of Commons, there are no plans to change the current electoral system. For other elections, I am pleased to confirm a Bill is before Parliament, which – if passed – will restore the supplementary vote system for mayoral elections in England.
More widely, I want to reform the rules on political donations to better protect our democracy from foreign interference. I also support lowering the voting age to 16, to expand younger people’s democratic rights. I know the Government plans to introduce legislation to fulfil these important manifesto pledges later this year.
I hope that, taken together, all these steps will help to restore confidence in our political system, boost participation, and hold all officials to higher standards than ever before.
Thank you once again for contacting me and for sharing your views.
Best wishes
Rt Hon Hilary Benn
MP for Leeds South
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland