So things get done with a nod and a wink and a quiet word at the bar. That’s as old as human society. Sometimes it’s done for greed and the results are to the detriment of others, often it’s just thoughtless. Sometimes it’s efficient and all benefit. Official channels can be cumbersome, getting something done because you know how to is a great skill.
The problems come when the innocent benefits for one conflict with those of another. The bigger the organisation the more this happens, so some rules are necessary. But it’s difficult to rule for every scenario, and when you do it makes the channels more cumbersome, and then more attractive to avoid. Add to that the scenarios, and our views on them, change all the time.
This is why the rules need to include that communications are recorded and published. As they say (attributed to US Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis), “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants”. If we can all see what’s going on people tend to behave. To the politicians’ benefit they then can’t become guilty when we change our minds: if the public can see their actions today we have no right to look back and be outraged next year.
Will this fix the current influence problems? Nah.
Johnson’s casual mode of government doesn’t lend itself to implementation of standards. That he doesn’t believe in rules is more than a minor issue. There’s no way he would let himself be subject to behaviour other than what his whims dictate. Johnson’s disconnection with truth is the big problem though. I’m not really certain if he’s a liar. To lie surely you must know the truth and be aware you’re saying something other? To him, like Putin, and his model Trump, words are just things you use to achieve your ends. Conveying facts is an irrelevance.
And who would hold him to account? He’s filled his cabinet with nobodies. There’s no talent, intellect or moral strength around Johnson. Replacement of that is a parliamentary generation away.
Any proper investigation of the Cameron/Greensill/etc affair is unlikely under the current government. Any meaningful legislation to stop it happening again is doubtful.
But over the long term this is a cycle anyway. Corruption – outrage, rules and probity – comfort then relaxation – corruption again. The inflection point is the comfort. When any official gets too comfortable they start to take liberties. There may already be communication rules, but Dave knows Rishi – a text to an old mate is harmless, yeah? And neither know about being voted out of office.
Governments need to be kept fresh to be kept honest. About a decade or two electoral cycles is the rule of thumb for a party to achieve what they can. Beyond that they get comfortable. They start to feel like they own the office and behave as such. This lot have been there for eleven. It’s time for them to go.
[Later]
No. I’m certain. He’s a liar.