Politicians and Standards in Public Life

Here's a timely reminder of the high standards expected of politicians in public life - all elected politicians, of course, including government ministers, MSPs, MPs and local councillors.

Politicians and Public Life (May 15, 2022)

The Nolan principles set out 7 key standards which politicians - councillors, MSPs, MPs and Ministers - have all agreed to abide by in their public lives.

• Selflessness 
• Integrity
• Objectivity
• Accountability
• Openness
• Honesty
• Leadership

Politicians and Standards In Public Life (December 28, 2021)

In my experience of dealing with them over many years, politicians are always very keen that the members of other political parties (ie other than their own) should abide by the key principles of public life.

Here's a timely reminder of the 'Nolan principles' which apply the all holders of public office - including Ministers, MSPs, MPs and local councillors.

1Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2 Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3 Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4 Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5 Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6 Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7 Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and be willing to challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.