Thank you for contacting me about your desire for reform of the UK's political system.

Upholding public trust is essential to maintain a healthy political system. Members of Parliament are expected to adhere to high standards in their public life and we have rigorous processes in place to ensure these standards are maintained. The UK already has strict laws regarding MPs behaviour, with legal convictions of over 12 months resulting in MPs automatically losing their seat, and automatic recall elections if an MP is convicted of a crime. In Parliament, the Code of Conduct, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the Committee on Standards and Privileges each regulate the conduct of MPs.

If an MP becomes a Minister they are bound by the Ministerial Code of Conduct. There is always more we can do to make sure these standards are upheld which is why the Parliamentary Code of Conduct was altered as recently as the 1 March 2023. These rules mean that politicians are governed by the same rules as everyone else and are also rightly held to a higher standard.

I support the First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system and must disagree with your views on Proportional Representation (PR). FPTP is a tried-and-tested system that ensures stability and clear accountability to voters by giving them a direct relationship with their MP. It prevents disproportionate influence by minority parties with minimal public support who typically end up holding the balance of power in PR systems.

However, I agree that political power should be spread more evenly across the UK. The Government has already taken significant decisions which have devolved power away from Westminster. Since the publication of the Levelling Up White Paper in 2022 alone, the Government has agreed six devolution deals with areas representing over seven million people. This includes two new Mayoral Combined Authorities and the first ever Mayoral Combined County Authority. Further, the movement of 22,000 civil service jobs outside of London will see greater number of senior civil servants working from outside the capital. This is on top of the extensive devolution that Conservative-led Governments have overseen since 2010.

There is ongoing debate regarding the role of the House of Lords, which is why the 2019 Conservative Party manifesto committed to “look at the broader aspects of our constitution”. However, I think we greatly benefit from having a chamber of experts that revises and scrutinises legislation while respecting the primacy of the elected House of Commons. In terms of individuals who are offered places in the Lords all prospective members are rigorously vetted by the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

Thank you again for contacting me.