The register of members’ interests for the House of Commons turns 50 today. Few MPs will be celebrating. Politicians have long shuddered over a document that provides fertile ground for journalists from which to dig out stories. The register – and the declarations within it – have cost more than a few MPs their careers. Plenty of other MPs and even PMs have come a cropper as a result of what is, and isn’t, in the register: Rishi Sunak is just one of the more high-profile figures to end up in hot water after being accused of failing to fill the register out fully.
While politicians dislike the register, its existence is good news for the rest of us. It’s easy to take it for granted that those we elect to represent us in parliament should declare their interests, but things haven’t always been this way.
Plenty of other MPs and even PMs have come a cropper as a result of what is, and isn’t, in the register
For centuries, ‘parliamentary sovereignty’ reigned supreme.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in