The original Standards Committee, established in 1994 by Sir John Major amid political scandals, has faced calls for reform due to ongoing rule-breaking among politicians.

This new commission will replace the Committee on Standards in Public Life, aiming to strengthen oversight of integrity across the entire public sector and restore public trust.

Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden emphasized that the reforms are designed to establish stronger rules and clearer accountability within government.

Critics have described the existing Advisory Committee for Business Appointments (Acoba) as ineffective, prompting calls for reform to improve enforcement of standards.

Sir John Major, who set up the Committee on Standards in Public Life in 1994, has recently called for a reformation of the oversight body in response to persistent political 'sleaze'.

A new Ethics and Integrity Commission will be formed, chaired by retired lieutenant general Doug Chalmers, and will report annually to the Prime Minister on the state of standards in public life.

The reforms include measures to prevent ministers who leave office after serious breaches of the ministerial code or serve less than six months from receiving severance payments, which were previously equivalent to three months' salary.

The abolition of Acoba has faced criticism for its lack of enforcement power, with some critics calling it a 'chocolate teapot,' and political backlash has ensued, accusing the government of undermining its ethics commitments.