"'Politics has always been seen as a dirty business by voters, but there is little doubt that trust in our political class has reached new lows in recent years. Citizens increasingly see British politicians as self serving rather than wanting to do the best for their country.’
This loss of trust is seen as a significant threat to our democratic system. It might be argued that the threat is even more fundamental because, like it or not, politicians are cultural influencers. Each report of low ethical standards by those in power chips away at everyone’s certainty of the difference between right and wrong. The most powerful leadership is by example, and the most powerful example is given by a steady adherence to a moral code. Hypocrisy is the enemy of the ethical."
Writing in New Law Journal, Senior Partner John Gould discusses how to assess the standards for ministerial misconduct, and the slippery slope leading to a loss of public trust in the Government.
The full article is available by subscription online at the New Law Journal. A full pdf copy is also available.