Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. These are the seven Nolan principles of public life, which apply to everyone elected to public office, as well as the civil servants who work for us all.
Until last week, these principles were clearly stated in the Prime Minister’s introduction to the Ministerial Code. In the aftermath of the Sue Gray report, Boris Johnson has relegated these to an annex.
The changes the Prime Minister has made to the Ministerial Code water down significantly the consequences of lying and misleading the public, of handing contracts to pals and donors. It makes it easier for a scandal-hit government to cling to office.
