PARLIAMENTARY STANDARDS UPDATE
October 21, 2009 9:55 AM
The Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 received Royal Assent on 21 July and the establishment of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) is now underway.
The IPSA will set and administer an allowances scheme for MPs and administer MPs' salaries; draw up a code of conduct on MPs financial interests, including a register of financial interest; and set the rules for investigations by the new Commissioner for Parliamentary Investigation also established by the Act.
The Speaker, exercising his powers under the Act, has appointed an Interim Chief Executive, Andrew McDonald, who took up his post on 14 September. When making the appointment, the Speaker commented, "We need to restore the reputation of parliament by establishing a system governing Members' pay and allowances that commands the confidence of both the public and MPs. The appointment of Andrew McDonald as Interim Chief Executive marks a significant step in taking forward the implementation of the new Authority."
The IPSA will have a Chair and four ordinary members, to be appointed by fair and open competition. These posts have been advertised. The deadline for the position of chair closed on 5 October and for members on 19 October. Interviews for all the posts are expected to be completed by mid-November.
Candidates must be approved by the Speaker and by the new Speaker's Committee on the IPSA, also established under the Act. This committee is expected to be appointed in October. The House will be asked to approve the Chair and members of the IPSA who will then be formally appointed by the Queen.
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