MSPs' new code of conduct criticised
15 Mar 07
Removal of key principles of openness and transparency questioned
A new code of conduct for MSPs voted through yesterday has met with a mixed reception because of changes to what has to be publicly stated.
The SNP's Brian Adam, convener of the Holyrood Standards Committee, said the new code clarified and tightened up the rules that govern the way MSPs behave, but the code was criticised for allowing politicians to keep their overseas trips secret.
The Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Rumbles also criticised the new code for removing the key principles of openness and transparency, saying this diminished democracy. He further challenged the removal of the staff register of interests.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations expressed concern at the removal of a section dealing with accessibility and openness to the introduction, where it would become merely aspirational, while Matthew Elliot of the Taxpayers Alliance said the public had the right to know what interests MSPs had.
Complaints about MSPs will now go through the Presiding Officer.