Councillors in England are far more trusted than MPs, according to the local government standards regulator.
Standards for England has published research carried out in the wake of the row over MPs’ expenses, which repeated its 2007 inquiry. The research showed that the public thinks councillors are more likely to be truthful.
While only 2% believe councillors ‘always’ tell the truth, for MPs that figure drops below 1%. And while 20% (18% in 2007) believe councillors ‘never or rarely’ tell the truth, 29% (20% in 2007) feel that way about their local MP.
Standards for England chief executive Glenys Stacey said: ‘It is pleasing to see that trust in local politicians held up favourably compared with people’s views about national politicians. Local councillors sign up to a robust code of conduct allied to an effective local standards framework.’
Standards for England has published research carried out in the wake of the row over MPs’ expenses, which repeated its 2007 inquiry. The research showed that the public thinks councillors are more likely to be truthful.
While only 2% believe councillors ‘always’ tell the truth, for MPs that figure drops below 1%. And while 20% (18% in 2007) believe councillors ‘never or rarely’ tell the truth, 29% (20% in 2007) feel that way about their local MP.
Standards for England chief executive Glenys Stacey said: ‘It is pleasing to see that trust in local politicians held up favourably compared with people’s views about national politicians. Local councillors sign up to a robust code of conduct allied to an effective local standards framework.’
