Review into Lobbying, Disclosure, and Access to Government

Doug Chalmers, Chair of the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC), has written to the Prime Minister responding to his request for the EIC to review lobbying, disclosure, and access to government.

The Chair’s Letter to the Prime Minister

The Prime Minister’s Letter to The Chair

Doug Chalmers, Chair of the EIC, said;

“We welcome this review. It’s an opportunity to look again at the rules, processes and transparency that support high standards. These are areas where we, as the Committee on Standards in Public Life, have previously made recommendations. Many of which have remained unimplemented by successive governments. We will revisit these and look to build on that work, whilst taking into account new evidence and wider changes.” 

“Given the urgency of this review we will be focusing on areas that will have the greatest impact. There may be some areas where we set out broad principles which prompt further evidence-based work.”

“We intend to hear from the standards bodies which work in these areas, as well as seeking wider views so that we can make sound, workable recommendations that drive high standards in central government.”

“It is -of course- ultimately the adoption of the recommendations that emerge which makes the real difference.”

Stu Sterling, Chief Executive of the EIC, said:

“I am looking forward to leading this work which will become the first report of the new Ethics and Integrity Commission. Like the previous Committee on Standards in Public Life, we will be taking an evidence-based approach, hearing from those with experience and expertise of the issues and challenges. Our work starts now and we will aim to publish the report before the Parliamentary summer recess.” 

“In the meantime, we continue our work to support public authorities, by developing guidance on codes of conduct, whilst our review of public sector Ombudsman services announced earlier this month continues to take evidence.”

Notes to Editors

1. Interview requests and media enquiries should go to Maggie O’Boyle on 07880 740627.
2. Find out more about the Ethics and Integrity Commission
3. The EIC was established in October 2025, building on the independent Committee on Standards in Public Life. The Commission promotes the highest standards in public life, reports to the Prime Minister on matters concerning ethical standards, and advises public authorities on the development of clear codes of conduct with effective oversight arrangements. The Commission is not a regulator and has no remit to investigate individual cases.
4. The current members of the EIC are Doug Chalmers CB DSO OBE (Chair), The Rt Hon Lady Mary Arden of Heswall DBE, The Rt Hon Ian Blackford (Scottish National Party), Cllr Ruth Dombey OBE (Liberal Democrat) Ewen Fergusson, Professor Gillian Peele and Rt Hon Michael Tomlinson KC (Conservative). There is a public appointments process underway for the recruitment of 3 additional independent members to the EIC.
5. Follow the EIC on Linkedin, X and Bluesky