MPs could face crackdown on paid media appearances under new rules

MPs could face a crackdown on hosting TV shows under new rules to restore trust in parliament.

The newly formed modernisation committee today published a memorandum agreeing to look at tightening rules on second jobs.

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The committee was promised in Labour's manifesto and is tasked with reforming House of Commons procedures and driving up standards.

MPs in the group, which met for the first time on Wednesday, said an early priority would be to look at outside paid engagements such as media appearances.

The committee will examine "whether paid outside engagements such as MP media appearances, journalism and speeches provide a benefit to the public or present a conflict of interest", it said.

It follows the controversy of some MPs earning hundreds of thousands of pounds for contractual broadcast jobs.

Channels including GB News and LBC have shows hosted by serving MPs.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage presents a show on GB News, as does Reform MP Lee Anderson.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy previously hosted an LBC radio show while in opposition but quit ahead of the general election.

Committees are normally chaired by backbench MPs but this one is unusual in that it will be chaired by Lucy Powell, the leader of the House of Commons.

She said: "It is a great privilege to serve constituents as a member of parliament, but this privilege requires us to embody the very highest standards.

"As we turn the page in this parliament following the events of the last, the Modernisation Committee will find ways to do things better."

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