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04 February 2022 / Neil Parpworth
Issue: 7965 / Categories: Features , Constitutional law , Public
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Bullying allegations & the Ministerial Code

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Neil Parpworth looks at current Downing Street shenanigans through the lens of a previous legal challenge
  • Discusses the Ministerial Code and its application. Refers to alleged breach of Covid regulations in Downing Street.
  • Looks at the FDA trade union’s legal challenge to the PM’s exercise of discretion, following allegations the Home Secretary breached the Code.

Ministerial codes represent a means by which members of the executive can be made accountable for their conduct and behaviour in public office. They are commonplace in those countries influenced by the ‘Westminster’ model of government. The current version of the UK Ministerial Code was drawn up by the prime minister (PM) shortly after he succeeded Theresa May as primus inter pares. In keeping with his predecessor’s version, Boris Johnson’s Code declares, among other things, that: ‘Ministers should be professional in all their dealings and treat all those with whom they come into contact with consideration and respect.’

It further declares: ‘Harassing, bullying or other inappropriate or discriminating behaviour whenever it takes

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