‘Promise upon promise’

Last summer the U.K. government promised “fundamental reforms” of Britain’s business appointment rules, which are designed to stop ex-ministers and top officials unduly exploiting their previous positions of power when working in the private sector.

Typically ex-ministers are barred from lobbying government for up to two years after leaving office, and from taking jobs with firms with whom they worked closely while in government.

Among the ideas floated last July were the introduction of a “ministerial deed,” under which ministers and senior officials would agree to abide by ACOBA’s recommendations after they left office or face fines of up to £19,000.

But despite pressure from MPs and campaigners, progress has stalled. In a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden last week, Pickles said if given the green light, the reforms could be in place within a matter of weeks.

“I’ve had promise upon promise upon promise and I’ve given them time, and now I think they’re running out of time,” Pickles told POLITICO. “I’m running out of time. Credibility is running out of time. They need to take action.”

As things stand ACOBA’s powers remain limited to publishing disapproving letters. These letters have become increasingly forceful over time, Pickles added, but the deterrence effect is minimal.