Thank you for contacting me about the Code of Conduct for MPs.
When in Parliament, Members are expected to adhere to high standards in their public life. The Code of Conduct provides guidance on the way that MPs should carry out their public duties and is backed up by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the Committee on Standards and Privileges.
The Committee in Standards in Public Life has also identified seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. These principles are enshrined in the Code of Conduct, with Members expected to observe them at all times.
In the event of non-compliance with the Code of Conduct, Members can expect to be investigated and, if necessary, disciplined by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. In some cases, Members can also expect to be disciplined by the Party Whips.
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards also has authority to investigate complaints about bullying, harassment and sexual harassment by MPs. To this end, I welcome the establishment of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.
If an MP has not adhered to the high standards expected of them, and their misdemeanours meet the listed criteria, constituents may trigger a recall petition while the MP is still in office. To be successful, 10 percent of eligible registered voters need to sign the petition. If the 10 percent threshold is reached, the seat becomes vacant, triggering a by-election.
I should also add that an individual sentenced to more than one year's imprisonment for an offence committed in the UK or elsewhere is disqualified for election to, or if already a Member of sitting and voting in, the House of Commons.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.