Labour Proposes Restrictions on MPs' Second Jobs

Labour is set to implement strict new rules on MPs' second jobs to address concerns over parliamentary conduct, particularly banning lucrative lobbying and advisory roles. Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House of Commons, emphasized that these reforms aim to prioritize constituents' interests and restore faith in British politics. While a complete ban on second jobs has been dropped, exceptions will be made for professionals needing to maintain qualifications, such as nurses and doctors, and for roles in speaking, writing, or media. The measures follow a commitment from Sir Keir Starmer's government to enhance parliamentary standards and tackle the perception of sleaze, with a new cross-party modernisation committee to oversee these changes. Powell cited numerous high-profile cases of MPs engaging in paid advocacy that conflicted with their duties, leading to the decision to close existing loopholes. The proposed changes are a response to widespread dissatisfaction among voters, as MPs reportedly earned over £17 million from outside work in the last parliament.