The requirements for license-a statuary body to manage the process.

Table of Contents

Introduction & Summary A Teaser Background Advocating Democracy Democracy’s vulnerabilities Overall defensive strategy The scale of the problem The legal status of politicians? The case for licensing politicians The case against licensing politicians The requirements for license-a statuary body to manage the process The requirements for license-the process The application and length of validity Eligibility to holding a licence Licences: non-renewal, suspensions and cancellations The requirements for license-the standards to be attained The requirements for license-the criteria Awarding or refusing the licence Political legal liability Educational program The Singapore experience Promotion and dissemination References Appendix 1 SWOT Analysis of UK democracy post 2024 UK general election Appendix 2. Governance and misconduct arrangements in certain professions Appendix 3: Table of evidence required for each criterion Appendix 4: Process for converting Criteria satisfied to Licence granting

In a manner analogous to the General Medical Council, the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and the Architects Registration Board in the United Kingdom—which regulate the professions of medicine, law, and architecture respectively—an equivalent independent regulatory body could be established for parliamentary politicians.

Proposed Structure

The proposed organisation would comprise four core components:

1. Board-Level Committee
A governing board responsible for setting policy within its statutory remit and for the granting, suspension, and revocation of parliamentary licences. This body would act as the final decision-making authority, informed by structured recommendations and evidential reviews from subordinate arms of the organisation.

2. Executive Office
An operational unit responsible for administering the licensing process. Its functions would include conducting necessary due diligence, verifying that all eligibility criteria are satisfied, and ensuring that documentation and procedural requirements are fully and accurately completed.

3. Investigative Arm
An independent investigative function tasked with examining potential breaches of licence conditions. This unit would gather and assess evidence relating to misconduct, non-compliance, or other relevant concerns, and submit findings to the Board-Level Committee.

4. Education and Standards Arm
A dedicated division responsible for the design, delivery, and maintenance of mandatory training and professional development programmes required for licence holders.

Composition of the Board-Level Committee

The Board-Level Committee would be constituted to ensure both professional expertise and democratic accountability. It is proposed that:

  • No more than 40% of members would be current or former parliamentarians.
  • A minimum of 30% would be active members of Parliament, ensuring ongoing practical insight while allowing continuity for those who may subsequently leave office.
  • The remaining 60–70% would be drawn from a diverse range of professional backgrounds.

Relevant fields of expertise may include, but are not limited to: audit, finance, health and safety, safeguarding, data analysis, psychology, law, academia, standards regulation, critical incident analysis, moral philosophy, civil aviation, military service, and security services.

All board members would themselves be required to hold at least a Level 1 licence.

Given this requirement, it is anticipated that a shadow board would be established in the first instance. This interim body would be responsible for defining terms of reference, developing the initial licensing framework, and determining the selection process for the substantive Board-Level Committee.

Licensing Framework for Board Members

The appropriate licensing level for Board-Level Committee members remains open to consideration. While a higher-level licence may not be strictly necessary for their governance role, it could be justified on the grounds that it would ensure direct experience of the licensing system they oversee.

Decision-Making Authority

The Board-Level Committee would retain exclusive authority to award, suspend, or revoke parliamentary licences. However, such decisions would be made following structured recommendations and comprehensive evidence reviews provided by the Executive Office and the Investigative Arm.

Proposed Title

A suggested designation for the organisation is the Royal Panel for Parliamentary Licences (RPPL).

The inclusion of the term “Royal” is intended to signify institutional independence from both Parliament and Government. Consideration may also be given to the appointment of an honorary President from the Royal Family, who would themselves be required to hold a Level 2 licence.

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