In todays news...

[gremlin]

I dare say there isn't a PM in history who hasn't sat down at the end of the day and thought, 'Fuck me...it was a lot fucking easier in opposition'.

[Taipan]

Tis the ying/yang of politics for sure, but there is many a Labour voter and trade union beyond angry at the winter fuel issue and they are bigger critics than the Tories!

That's what I was thinking of more than speculation on X. The hypocracy of him, Rayner and Reeves is clear. They have been receiving gifts that any private company would call bribery, both for the person on the receiving and and those donating to politically exposed persons.

Indeed. Not getting much sport with my labour voting colleagues either as they seem more pissed off about Free Gear Keir and Racheal Thieves than I do!

[gremlin]

They have been receiving gifts that any private company would call bribery, both for the person on the receiving and and those donating to politically exposed persons.

I have to complete an online assessment every year on 'Bribery and Corruption', amongst many, many others. Takes about an hour, and it's mandatory, else I forfeit my job. It makes it quite clear that I should not accept excessive gifts (and by 'excessive' I mean anything more than a branded notepad or pen (not both, mind!)). If I meet somebody on a professional level for coffee, I have to pay and claim, lest I be in their debt and open to coercion. Lunch? Not a chance. I pay and justify why the expense was needed and to ensure that it's not me being excessively lavish.

Holiday homes? Free designer clothes? FFS, I'd be out on my ear for even entering into a conversation on the subject. I know this, because I'm educated on what is acceptable and what isn't. I know the boundaries. Why is it so difficult for Westminster to grasp this very basic level of acceptable behaviour?

[MrLongbeard]

They have been receiving gifts that any private company would call bribery, both for the person on the receiving and and those donating to politically exposed persons.

I have to complete an online assessment every year on 'Bribery and Corruption', amongst many, many others. Takes about an hour, and it's mandatory, else I forfeit my job. It makes it quite clear that I should not accept excessive gifts (any by 'excessive' I mean anything more than a branded notepad or pen (not both, mind)). If I meet somebody on a professional level for coffee, I have to pay and claim, lest I be in their debt and open to coercion. Lunch? Not a chance. I pay and justify why the expense was needed and to ensure that it's not me being excessively lavish.

Holiday homes? Free designer clothes? FFS, I'd be out on my ear for even entering into a conversation on the subject. I know this, because I'm educated on what is acceptable and what isn't. I know the boundaries. Why is it so difficult for Westminster to grasp this very basic level of acceptable behaviour?

We have the same level of fun sucking here, long long gone are the days of bottles of wine & whiskey at chrimbo

[Noggin]

They have been receiving gifts that any private company would call bribery, both for the person on the receiving and and those donating to politically exposed persons.

I have to complete an online assessment every year on 'Bribery and Corruption', amongst many, many others. Takes about an hour, and it's mandatory, else I forfeit my job. It makes it quite clear that I should not accept excessive gifts (any by 'excessive' I mean anything more than a branded notepad or pen (not both, mind)). If I meet somebody on a professional level for coffee, I have to pay and claim, lest I be in their debt and open to coercion. Lunch? Not a chance. I pay and justify why the expense was needed and to ensure that it's not me being excessively lavish.

Holiday homes? Free designer clothes? FFS, I'd be out on my ear for even entering into a conversation on the subject. I know this, because I'm educated on what is acceptable and what isn't. I know the boundaries. Why is it so difficult for Westminster to grasp this very basic level of acceptable behaviour?

Because the main reason most (not all) become MPs is the gravy train and the publicity; the second generally equates to money in the end

Sux but in general if that’s not why they go into politics, it seems most can be swayed once there

[Mr Moofo]

They have been receiving gifts that any private company would call bribery, both for the person on the receiving and and those donating to politically exposed persons.

I have to complete an online assessment every year on 'Bribery and Corruption', amongst many, many others. Takes about an hour, and it's mandatory, else I forfeit my job. It makes it quite clear that I should not accept excessive gifts (and by 'excessive' I mean anything more than a branded notepad or pen (not both, mind!)). If I meet somebody on a professional level for coffee, I have to pay and claim, lest I be in their debt and open to coercion. Lunch? Not a chance. I pay and justify why the expense was needed and to ensure that it's not me being excessively lavish.

Holiday homes? Free designer clothes? FFS, I'd be out on my ear for even entering into a conversation on the subject. I know this, because I'm educated on what is acceptable and what isn't. I know the boundaries. Why is it so difficult for Westminster to grasp this very basic level of acceptable behaviour?

When I worked I was in the same position - it was very clear what could be paid for / what couldn't. And any gifts had to be of really low value. Certainly different if you went to Africa or the Middle East, but that's why companies use agents.
But clothing allowances, free holidays, free use of accommodation, money as contributions would have all been seen as corruption.

I am not sure how politicians differ?

https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/effe ... in-the-uk/

Collins English Dictionary defines corruption as “dishonesty and illegal behaviour by people in positions of authority or power”. Transparency International, a charity which describes itself as a “global coalition against corruption” concurs, defining corruption as “the abuse of entrusted power for private gain”. It highlights a range of examples of corruption, such as: public servants demanding or taking money or favours in exchange for services; politicians misusing public money or granting public contacts to their sponsors, friends and families; and corporations bribing officials to get lucrative deals.

What is corruption and bribery?

The government defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private benefit that usually breaches laws, regulations, standards of integrity or standards of professional behaviour.

This can include:

abuse of the power given to an individual by another person or organisation
activity that’s beyond the position or remit of a person
benefits taken for an employee’s personal gain, rather than for their organisation
Bribery is defined as the offering, promising, or giving of something to influence an official, including:

payments to get a faster or better service or to gain advantage in public procurement processes
offering, providing or receiving gifts, entertainment, and hospitality – or other items of value such as donations, sponsorships and internships
levels of hospitality disproportionate to a business transaction
Your company’s exposure to these may vary from one country to another. But you should always keep your eyes open for the warning signs.

[Taipan]

They have been receiving gifts that any private company would call bribery, both for the person on the receiving and and those donating to politically exposed persons.

I have to complete an online assessment every year on 'Bribery and Corruption', amongst many, many others. Takes about an hour, and it's mandatory, else I forfeit my job. It makes it quite clear that I should not accept excessive gifts (and by 'excessive' I mean anything more than a branded notepad or pen (not both, mind!)). If I meet somebody on a professional level for coffee, I have to pay and claim, lest I be in their debt and open to coercion. Lunch? Not a chance. I pay and justify why the expense was needed and to ensure that it's not me being excessively lavish.

Holiday homes? Free designer clothes? FFS, I'd be out on my ear for even entering into a conversation on the subject. I know this, because I'm educated on what is acceptable and what isn't. I know the boundaries. Why is it so difficult for Westminster to grasp this very basic level of acceptable behaviour?

Because they are a load of janus faced, duplicitous, trough feeding, self serving wankers! As PMs go, it does seem Starmer has overtaken BoJo in the freebies ranking!

[DefTrap]

Like paying taxes, it's the overwhelming majority of middle-class, middle-income masses who have to play by rules. My BIL, a builder, says that in his line of work favours for kindness given, contracts awarded etc is commonplace in the form of freebies and cashback.

[JackyJoll]

Of course, politicians aren’t Government employees. I expect that makes a difference.

[McNab]

Unless I was extremely hard up, I don't think I'd ever accept if someone offered to buy my glasses for me, be that family or friends, let alone some random business contact. Even then I wouldn't have the cheek to get a pair for £2400.

Holidays, meals and jollies, I can understand*, but his n' hers clothes and glasses. Nope.

* I'm not saying it's right though, 'cos it's not.

[Noggin]

Of course, politicians aren’t Government employees. I expect that makes a difference.

Maybe they should be held to the same standards? Might get rid of some of the gravy boat paddlers?

[MyLittleStudPony]

Political parties are different to companies, large corporations and tooley goons; they are legitimately funded by donations.

I worked for a few corporate multinationals which were very tight on 'bribery and corruption'. Mainly as very high value contracts were part of the game.

[McNab]

Parties should be funded by donations and then those funds disseminated to the party members that need them for work purposes, not tickets to Taylor Swift or Arsenal private boxes. That's my view of it.

[Mr Moofo]

Political parties are different to companies, large corporations and tooley goons; they are legitimately funded by donations.

.

Which is fine - but then this funds should be used for political purposes. Not frocks and posh glasses frames
Or very expensive wall paper for No 11

[cheb]

Are motorhomes OK? Asking for a Scottish friend.

[demographic]

As PMs go, it does seem Starmer has overtaken BoJo in the freebies ranking!

Haha, you're unintentionally funny.
As much as I'm loath to excuse politicians getting free gifts it's not even close.
Please show your working to explain where you picked that idea from.

[Count Steer]

As PMs go, it does seem Starmer has overtaken BoJo in the freebies ranking!

Haha, you're unintentionally funny.
As much as I'm loath to excuse politicians getting free gifts it's not even close.
Please show your working to explain where you picked that idea from.

Include wallpaper and PPE contracts in your answers.

[Taipan]

As PMs go, it does seem Starmer has overtaken BoJo in the freebies ranking!

Haha, you're unintentionally funny.
As much as I'm loath to excuse politicians getting free gifts it's not even close.
Please show your working to explain where you picked that idea from.

Include wallpaper and PPE contracts in your answers.

But your only allowed to read the first 10 paragaphs...

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/2024/09/1 ... an-any-mp/

[demographic]

As PMs go, it does seem Starmer has overtaken BoJo in the freebies ranking!

Haha, you're unintentionally funny.
As much as I'm loath to excuse politicians getting free gifts it's not even close.
Please show your working to explain where you picked that idea from.

Include wallpaper and PPE contracts in your answers.

The flat refurbishment
One of the first scandals Johnson faced was an allegation of corruption after WhatsApp messages revealed he had asked a Conservative Party donor for funds to refurbish his Downing Street residence. British news outlets reported that the work cost around £200,000 ($280,000).

Political donations and loans are tightly controlled in the United Kingdom, with loans of more than £7,500 ($10,400) logged and publicly revealed by the commission four times a year.

Johnson did not report the donations and as a result, the Conservative Party was fined £17,800 by the Electoral Commission in December last year.

[Cousin Jack]

Of course, politicians aren’t Government employees. I expect that makes a difference.

I'm not an employee, I an a volunteer Trustee of a MAT. I still have to declare any gifts or hospitality and all directorship of myself and my close family.

The Govt is quick enough to make sure everyone else is squeaky clean, time they were held to account for their failings.