The Rt. Hon Michael Tomlinson KC asked to join Ethics and Integrity Commission

8th January 2026

The Rt. Hon Michael Tomlinson KC has been asked to join the new Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC). Michael was appointed by the UK Prime Minister, having been nominated by the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch.

The Commission was launched on 13 October 2025 and replaces the Committee on Standards in Public Life. The EIC has a range of responsibilities, including promoting the highest standards in public life, and advising public authorities on the development of clear codes of conduct with effective oversight arrangements. They also report to the Prime Minister on matters concerning ethical standards.

The Commission safeguards the Seven Principles of Public Life (often called the Nolan Principles) which outline the ethical standards all those working in the public sector are expected to adhere to, and apply to all public office holders and private and voluntary organisations delivering services paid for by public funds. The Principles are: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership.

The Rt Hon Michael Tomlinson KC is the former Solicitor General (Sep 2022-Dec 2023) who returned to private practice with 3PB in September 2024. Michael has appeared in courts up to and including the Court of Appeal, helping individuals, businesses, charities and Local Authorities. A busy barrister, Michael is frequently instructed on public law, property and chancery and commercial disputes and advisory work across the UK and internationally.

Michael said: "I am honoured to have been nominated by the Leader of the Opposition and appointed by the Prime Minister to join the newly formed Ethics and Integrity Commission. Our remit is to promote the highest standards in public life and I look forward to working with the chairman and my fellow commissioners in the years ahead."

If you wish to contact Michael about this or public and administrative law issues, please email [email protected]. To instruct Michael, please contact any of his clerks including Stuart Pringle on [email protected] or by calling him on 01962 868 884.