On APA and Politics

Like all truly professional Associations APA is politically neutral or, perhaps more correctly, an apolitical organisation. Our role makes it important that we can debate issues of particular importance to our Members and represent their interests at all levels, across all parties and the great political divide. Our attitude to governance reflects a strategy to support any Government that supports business, especially small business, irrespective of political creed.

For this reason APA avoids all political debate that is not driven by the will of our Members.

So why do I remind you of this? Well, I have to say that I am appalled to learn that Kitty Usher, a Treasury Minister, has today felt the need to resign from her post for fear of her actions reflecting badly on the Government and the Prime Minster. And press speculation concludes that this is because she has [allegedly] used the rules that govern MPs allowances to avoid payment of up to £17,000 in tax.

This follows in the wake of a sea of omissions by MPs, of all persuasions, that they have done the same is a massive collective breach of their professional ethics. Currently around 50 MPs have repaid around £500,000 to the Fees Office; with many more to follow.

If a Member of any professional association, including our own, was to make such a transparent and admitted breach of their Code of Professional Practice/Ethics they would almost certainly be expelled from membership.

Perhaps it’s time Politicians had an effective professional body! What do you think?

Gareth