Reporting Ministerial Gifts and Hospitality

Caroline Johnson Excerpts

Monday 14th October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Ellie Reeves]

I repeat that we want to make the rules more transparent. We have clearly set out how we intend to get transparency on gifts and hospitality, which has been lacking for too long.

[Dr Caroline Johnson (Sleaford and North Hykeham) (Con)]

Government guidelines for the self-employed are very clear:

“You cannot claim for everyday clothing (even if you wear it for work).”

Yet we have heard that Cabinet Ministers declared clothing donations as donations in kind for undertaking parliamentary duties and, further,

“to support the Shadow Chancellor’s office”.

Does the Minister think that these were transparent donations, or were they designed to deceive?

[Ellie Reeves]

No Member sets out to deceive the House, and donations have been made in the right way. There is no suggestion that donations have not been declared properly or transparently. We are seeking to align the rules for Ministers with the rules for MPs, but I do not think there has been any suggestion that declarations have not been properly made.