Press Notice 22 (30 June 2009)

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, John Lyon, today publishes his annual report for 2008-09.

The Report covers the work of the Commissioner during the year, including providing information and advice, overseeing the Registers of Interests, advising the Committee on Standards and Privileges and dealing with complaints.

During the year April 2008-March 2009 the Commissioner completed inquiries into 46 complaints against 40 Members of Parliament - an average of nearly one complaint completed each week. He upheld in whole or in part 30 of these 46 complaints.

In his Foreword Mr Lyon refers to the impact on Parliament of the current expenses crisis. He writes:

"The expenses crisis has drawn in many (but certainly not all) Members and has led to widespread public distrust in Members of Parliament as a group, and in our parliamentary institutions as a whole... I hope that out of recent events will come a new and stronger compact between Members of Parliament and those they serve. This needs to be based on a mutual understanding of the work the public want their Members of Parliament to do on their behalf, and the support they need to do it, and on an understanding by Members of the implications of the trust people must place in them. Institutions and structures will have their place in sealing that compact. But ultimately it will be for each Member of Parliament to rebuild the trust that has been lost."

Notes for Editors

1. This Report covers the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009.
2. Following open competition, John Lyon was appointed Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards on 1 January 2008, when he succeeded Sir Philip Mawer.
3. The current framework for Parliamentary standards dates from 1995, when the first Commissioner was appointed. Mr Lyon is the fourth Commissioner.
4. The Commissioner's remit does not extend to the House of Lords.
5. The Commissioner's main duties are:

• overseeing the maintenance of the Register of Members' Interests and the other registers of interests for Members' staff, journalists and All-Party Groups;
• with the Registrar of Members' Interests, advising on the registration and declaration of interests;
• advising the Committee on Standards and Privileges on the interpretation of the Code of Conduct;
• monitoring the operation of the Code and registers and making recommendations to the Committee thereon;
• receiving, investigating and reporting to the Committee on complaints against Members.