MPs including Nigel Farage could face crackdown on paid TV appearances under review of Commons rules

MPs including Nigel Farage could face a crackdown on paid TV appearances under a review of Commons rules. 

Commons Leader Lucy Powell said the idea would be considered as part of an overhaul of outside earnings.

The Modernisation Committee will look at what advantages, if any, outside paid engagements such as media appearances, journalism and speeches furnish to the public, versus the potential conflicts of interest and attention that arise.

The new Government has already approved a crackdown on second jobs, with MPs tightening the rules to ban their colleagues from providing paid advice on policy or how Parliament works.

But it has so far resisted calls to restrict MPs participation in the media, sparked by controversy over presenting jobs given to some serving MPs.

In the current Parliament, Reform UK MPs Nigel Farage and Lee Anderson host regular GB News shows, while several others have already listed payments for TV appearances and newspaper articles in their registers of interests. 

MPs including Nigel Farage could face a crackdown on paid TV appearances under a review of Commons rules

Commons Leader Lucy Powell said the idea would be considered as part of an overhaul of second jobs

Other priorities for the committee include a renewed emphasis on scrutiny of Government legislation and making the Commons more accessible (file picture)

Several Conservative MPs also previously worked as regular presenters on GB News, often receiving significant payments on top of their parliamentary salaries.

Labours David Lammy, now Foreign Secretary, presented shows on LBC radio.

The committee will also look at potential changes to Parliaments culture that would address cultural issues of bullying and harassment and sexual harassment. 

Other priorities include a renewed emphasis on scrutiny of Government legislation and making the Commons more accessible.

Ms Powell, who is chairing the committee, 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.

Building consensus for reforms, well set out to drive up standards, improve the culture and working practices and reform procedures to make the House of Commons more open and accessible to people from all walks of life.

The 14-strong committee includes nine Labour MPs, three Conservatives and two Liberal Democrats.