As the UK marks the International Anti-Corruption Day, Transparency International UK welcomes the Government’s appointment of Margaret Hodge as the new Anti-Corruption Champion.  

In a written statement to the House of Commons, Minister Dan Jarvis announced that Lady Hodge, the former Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Corruption & Responsible Tax, and the Public Accounts Committee, would lead the Government's efforts to ‘drive forward and develop the anti-corruption agenda’. 

Duncan Hames, Director of Policy and Programmes at Transparency International UK, said: 

“A tireless campaigner against corruption and advocate for reforms to restore integrity in politics, Baroness Hodge is uniquely positioned to drive forward the Government’s ambition to make the UK the anti-corruption capital of the world.   

“After almost two years without a Champion, Margaret Hodge will face a full in-tray from day one, as she seeks to turn the tide on dirty money and tackle corruption here in the UK.

“Holding government departments to account on their anti-corruption commitments and demanding the highest standards of government itself will be essential if she is to restore confidence in this vital work.  

ENDS

Notes to editors  

The full Written Statement can be found here: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/202...

The UK has been without an Anti-Corruption Champion since John Penrose MP resigned in June 2022, in protest to Prime Minister Boris Johnson breaking his own Ministerial code during the ‘party gate’ scandals.  

As a Champion, Hodge will have three core responsibilities: 

1. Helping the Government to drive development of a new Anti-Corruption Strategy and provide a challenge function for its delivery, once agreed. 

2. Acting as a Government entry point on anti-corruption issues for Parliamentarians, private sector representatives and civil society. 

3. Where required, engaging internationally to help drive progress on UK priorities.