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Bills · In the Lords

Accountability of public officials

The other House is now going through the same steps. If it makes changes, both Houses must agree the final wording.

In plain words

This bill would require public bodies and officials to be open and helpful with inquiries and inquests. It would create new crimes for failing to do so, and for misleading the public.

Summary drafted by AI, checked by Jonathan on 4 Oct 2026. Source: Parliament Library briefing.

Official title: Public Office (Accountability) Bill

  1. 1Introduced1st reading
  2. 2Main debate2nd reading
  3. 3Detailed checksCommittee
  4. 4ChangesReport stage
  5. 5Final vote3rd reading
  6. 6Other houseLords or Commons
  7. 7Becomes lawRoyal Assent

Next sitting: 12 Oct 2026 (committee stage in the Lords).

Put forward by Mr David Lammy, Baroness Levitt.

Votes so far

DateVoteCountResult
14 Jul 2026Accountability of public officials: a proposed change104 for, 412 againstRejected
14 Jul 2026Accountability of public officials: a proposed change102 for, 409 againstRejected
14 Jul 2026Accountability of public officials: a proposed change93 for, 323 againstRejected
Full timeline
DateStageHouse
16 Sep 20251st readingCommons
3 Nov 20252nd readingCommons
3 Nov 2025Programme motionCommons
3 Nov 2025Money resolutionCommons
27 Nov 2025, 2 Dec 2025, 4 Dec 2025Committee stageCommons
27 Apr 2026Carry-over motionCommons
14 May 2026Bill reintroducedCommons
14 Jul 2026Report stageCommons
14 Jul 20263rd readingCommons
14 Jul 2026Carry-over motionCommons
16 Jul 20261st readingLords
1 Sep 20262nd readingLords
12 Oct 2026, 19 Oct 2026, 21 Oct 2026Committee stageLords

In the bill’s own words: A Bill to Impose a duty on public authorities and public officials to act with candour, transparency and frankness; to make provision for the enforcement of that duty in their dealings with inquiries and investigations; to require public authorities to promote and take steps to maintain ethical conduct within all parts of the authority; to create an offence in relation to public authorities and public officials who mislead the public; to create further offences in relation to the misconduct of persons who hold public office and to abolish the common law offence of misconduct in public office; to make provision enabling persons to participate at inquiries and investigations where the conduct of public authorities may be in issue; and for connected purposes.

Official page on Parliament’s site

Source: Parliament Bills API · Commons votes from the Commons Votes API.