Public trust in its governments has decreased considerably in the past few years, and the government – current and future – should show that it has learned from past mistakes. 

The Institute for Government’s report, Rebuilding Trust in Public Life, addresses the urgent need to restore public confidence in UK governance. Following a decade dominated by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside economic and public service challenges, the report emphasises the critical need for ethical reform as the UK approaches its next general election. 

Public trust in UK governance is at a low ebb. Ipsos polling indicates that 65% of respondents believe the current government does not adhere to high ethical standards, and nearly half feel that standards have deteriorated since the 2019 general election. This decline is attributed to a series of scandals involving senior politicians and a widespread sense among the public that people in positions of power do not believe the usual rules apply to them. In fact, polling commissioned by Spotlight on Corruption indicates that 71% of people do not trust politicians to police the rules governing their own behaviour. 

The report asserts that the upcoming election is an opportunity for political parties to commit to ethical governance and begin restoring public trust. The report suggests several “quick wins” to initiate the process of rebuilding trust – either by the current government or the next. These include: 

1. Issuing a New Ministerial Code: Within its first month, the next government should publish a revised ministerial code. This code should clearly delineate between ethical guidelines and routine procedures and include updated guidance on contemporary governance practices like the use of personal phones and social media. 
2. Empowering the Independent Adviser: Grant the independent adviser on ministers’ interests full investigative powers and the ability to publish findings independently. This reform would underscore a commitment to enforcing ethical standards while preserving the prime minister’s authority over sanctions. 
3. A Constitutional Centre of Expertise: Creating this centre would consolidate advisory functions currently spread across various departments under the cabinet secretary. It would  maintain institutional memory and enhance constitutional advice. 

To sustain and deepen ethical standards, the report also makes some medium- to long-term recommendations: 

1. Enhancing Transparency and Accountability: The government should improve data transparency related to standards and ethics and establish robust whistleblowing mechanisms. This would ensure ongoing scrutiny and accountability in government operations. 
2. Legislating Ethical Standards: Codify the ministerial code, business appointment rules, and conflict of interest guidelines into law. This would create a more robust framework for ethical governance. 
3. Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight: Ensure Parliament maintains a critical role in holding ministers and senior officials accountable. This involves upholding rigorous oversight mechanisms and respecting parliamentary processes. 

A Mandate for Ethical Governance 

The report underscores that ethical standards are a priority for the public, with many voters considering them crucial in their electoral decisions. It calls on all political parties to commit to tangible actions that enhance government standards and transparency. By doing so, the next government can embark on the essential task of rebuilding trust in public institutions, demonstrating that ethical governance is not only achievable but vital for a healthy democracy. 

The Institute for Government’s report provides a vital blueprint for restoring trust in UK public life. As the country prepares for its next electoral cycle, these recommendations offer a clear and actionable path for political leaders to follow, ensuring that integrity and transparency are upheld at the highest levels of government. 

Background 

The report was published as part of the Institute for Government’s General Election 2024 collection. 

The Institute for Government is the UK’s leading independent think tank working to make government more effective. Through in-depth analysis, expert commentary and influential public events they explore how government works – and how it can work better.