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New research shows public perception of councillors is better than MPs
The public feels local councillors are more likely to be truthful than local MPs, according to recent research carried out for Standards for England.
The research, which repeated questions asked previously in 2007, was carried out in June, at a time when press coverage about MPs’ expenses was hitting the headlines.
For local MPs, more people now think they ‘rarely or never’ tell the truth than think they are ‘always or mostly’ truthful.
While only two per cent feel councillors ‘always’ tell the truth, for MPs that figure drops below one per cent. And while 20 per cent (18% in 2007) feel councillors ‘never or rarely’ tell the truth 29 per cent (20% in 2007) feel that way about their local MP.
“Anecdotally we are told the MPs’ expenses issue was much discussed on the doorstep during the recent local election campaign,” said Standards for England Chief Executive, Glenys Stacey. “It is pleasing, therefore, to see that trust in local politicians held up favourably compared to people’s views about national politicians.”
“Local councillors sign up to a robust Code of Conduct allied to an effective local standards framework which deals with 2,800 complaints a year about England’s 80,000 local politicians.
“The system is supported by Standards for England, an independent national regulator with the status to deal with issues councils cannot manage themselves.
“Cases of the most serious wrong-doing are rare, only 19 councillors were suspended or disqualified as a result of standards complaints in 2007/8.
“Working with English councils, we need to do more to let local residents know how the standards framework is helping to safeguard high standards in local government.”
Table: Percentage responses to: How often do you think the following types of people tell the truth?
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|
Always / most of the time |
Sometimes |
Rarely / Never |
Don’t Know |
||||
|
|
2007 |
2009 |
2007 |
2009 |
2007 |
2009 |
2007 |
2009 |
|
Your local MP |
29% |
24% |
37% |
40% |
20% |
29% |
12% |
7% |
|
Your local councillor |
30% |
28% |
38% |
40% |
18% |
20% |
14% |
12% |
|
Politicians in general |
17% |
14% |
44% |
40% |
33% |
42% |
6% |
4% |
For media enquiries, contact the press office on 0161 817 5400 or email press.enquiries@standardsboard.gov.uk.
Notes for editors
- A total of 1,735 adults were polled through Gfk NOP Research’s Random Location Omnibus poll - adults aged 18 and above were interviewed face to face in their homes between 11 and 16 June 2009.
- The research report on Public perceptions of ethics is now published and can be found online at www.standardsforengland.gov.uk.
