Independent report: Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards Annual Report 2025-2026

1.1. This is my fourth annual report as the Prime Minister’s Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards and covers the period from April 2025 to the end of March 2026. It has been a year of significant developments in the “standards landscape”. In October 2025, the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) was established and, at the same time, the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) was closed and its responsibilities for advice under the Business Appointment Rules were transferred to a number of bodies and individuals including the Independent Adviser. The Ministerial Code, including my terms of reference, was revised to coincide with this change.

1.2. My role therefore now encompasses three main strands of activity: overseeing the ministers’ interests process, advising the Prime Minister on conduct matters under the Ministerial Code, and providing advice to former ministers under the Business Appointment Rules (BARs). This report covers these three areas and also gives a flavour of my engagement work — meeting with individuals and bodies who form part of the standards landscape, such as the EIC, the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) and others with an interest in my work. I would highlight the following during what has been a busy year: