Rules for Politicians

OK so I had some fun making up rules for today’s breed of politician — greedy, coorporate and self-serving. Pointless I know but sometimes you just need to say something.

It started by thinking about lack of moral character in UK politicans. How I would ensure politicans are there to benefit the people and not themselves? Of course no politican would ever choose to do this — you would have to be stupid to cut-off your own privilege and gravy train. Still it at least got some of the anger out at seeing the state of politics.

Here are, my 10 “rules”:

1. That they are paid the average salary of the country they live in. For the UK this is around £31k. This should help politicians be “in-touch” with average people. If you can’t live on an average salary then, as a politican, you should do something about it.
2. No second jobs. You should be spending your time working for those who pay you. i.e., the people. The average person doesn’t have time for two jobs, neither should you.
3. Less than 10% of the UK population own stocks and shares — it should therefore be easy for you to divest yourself of all investments before taking office. After all most people manage without a large portfolio.
4. After leaving office you are forbidden from taking any jobs related to any ministerial posts you held for 5 years, i.e., a former Minister of Energy would not be allowed to work for an oil company. This would stop the cycle of politicans moving into high-paid lucrative lobbying posts.
5. You are not allowed to be paid by lobbying organisations. As per rule 4 this cuts the cycle of lobbying.
6. Expenses will be regulated by an independent authority with appointments made by the Judiciary. No more bird house, moat cleaning or new driveways.
7. No gifts are allowed to be received and any that are shall be donated to the public. You’re working for the people — these are gifts for the country not you.
8. Bars in the Pariliament are to be closed — no drinking when in the house. Most people can’t drink at work in a subsidised bar so why should you? Oh and don’t come to work drunk.
9. Parties are to be funded by the public purse — this will be a fixed amount per election to be decided by an independent committee. No additional funding will be allowed. This reduces the chances of politicians being “bought”.
10. Any politican found to break any rules shall be subject to an independent inquiry by the judiciary. Politicians may be removed from office. There need to be consequences. Not just a “bad boy”.

What rules would you have?