A Labour MP is spearheading a significant legislative push that could see politicians face criminal charges for deliberately lying to the public. The proposed amendment to a major accountability bill has attracted surprising cross-party support, signalling a potential watershed moment for standards in public life.
What the Amendment Proposes
Luke Myer, the Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has tabled a crucial amendment to the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, widely referred to as the Hillsborough Law. In its current form, the bill targets senior figures like the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers who intentionally mislead the nation.
Mr Myer's proposal seeks to extend this legal responsibility to all elected representatives, including backbench MPs and members of the House of Lords. His office has emphasised that the change is about ensuring no one in Parliament is considered above the law.
The MP stated: "People are tired of feeling like there is one rule for them and another for those in power. These amendments are a proportionate, safeguarded way to help rebuild trust. If politicians deliberately lie to the public, there should be consequences."
Cross-Party and Local Support
The amendment has resonated beyond party lines, securing backing from Greens, Liberal Democrats, and notably, some Conservative figures. Redcar & Cleveland Conservative Councillor Peter Grogan publicly endorsed the move on Facebook, agreeing that politicians who deliberately deceive should face repercussions.
Councillor Grogan even suggested the law's scope should be broadened further to include all tiers of government, from local councillors upwards, citing the prevalence of political "mis-truths." Within Mr Myer's own party, Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash is a named local supporter.
The bill was scheduled for a vote on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, but has been postponed. The Commons Speaker will decide on Monday, 19 January, whether Mr Myer's amendment is selected for a decision.
Safeguards and Broader Implications
Proponents stress the amendment includes robust legal safeguards. Prosecutions would require approval from the Director of Public Prosecutions and be reserved for the most severe, blatant cases of intentional deception.
The offence carries a high legal bar and explicitly does not cover political opinion, unintentional errors, routine discourse, private constituent meetings, or journalistic work. Parliamentary privilege also remains protected.
Jennifer Nadel, of the think-tank Compassion in Politics, which has campaigned for seven years for such a law, said: "When lies travel faster than the truth, democracy becomes dangerously easy to game. This amendment is about drawing a clear line... If we want to rebuild faith in democracy, honesty in public life has to mean something in law."
Polling data highlighted by Mr Myer's office suggests strong public appetite for the change, with only one in ten people opposing the idea of penalising politicians for lying.
If passed, this would mark the first time in UK history that MPs and Lords could face criminal charges for intentionally misleading the public, setting a new precedent for accountability at the heart of Westminster.
