Ministerial code of conduct redrawn in wake of sexual harassment scandals
2 min read
Tough new standards governing ministers' behaviour have been introduced in the wake of the sexual harassment scandals which claimed the scalps of Sir Michael Fallon and Damian Green.
The new code of conduct makes clear that "harassing, bullying or other inappropriate or discriminating behaviour" will be a sacking offence in the future.
Sir Michael resigned as Defence Secretary in November after admitting his behaviour had "fallen below the high standards that we require of the Armed Forces".
He had been accused of making inappropriate advances towards female journalists.
Mr Green was last month sacked as First Secretary of State by Theresa May after a Cabinet Office probe into his behaviour.
The investigation was sparked by claims he had behaved inappropriately towards journalist Kate Maltby, who said he had touched her knee and sent her suggestive text messages.
While the inquiry found it was "not possible to reach a definitive conclusion on the appropriateness of Mr Green’s behaviour" with Ms Maltby, it said her claims were "plausible" and he was found to have breached the code of conduct for wrongly claiming he did not know about the existence of pornographic material on his office computer
The new code says: "Ministers should be professional in all their dealings and treat all those with whom they come into contact with consideration and respect. Working relationships, including with civil servants, ministerial and parliamentary colleagues and parliamentary staff should be proper and appropriate.
"Harassing, bullying or other inappropriate or discriminating behaviour wherever it takes place is not consistent with the Ministerial Code and will not be tolerated."
The updated code of conduct also includes new rules on ministerial meetings following the resignation of Priti Patel as International Development Secretary.
She quit after it emerged she had failed to tell Downing Street about a string of meetings with Israeli officials during a family holiday in the summer.
The code now says: "When holding meetings overseas with Ministers and/or officials from overseas governments, or where official business is likely to be discussed, ministers should always ensure that a private secretary or Embassy official is present.
"If a minister meets an external organisation or individual and finds themselves discussing official business without an official present – for example at a social occasion or on holiday – any significant content should be passed back to the department as soon as possible after the event.
"Ministers should seek guidance in advance from their Permanent Secretary, who should consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in cases of doubt."
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