How allegations are resolved
How parliaments handle complaints about members
Short answer
- UK test
- Balance of probabilities 1
- UK appeal
- Independent Expert Panel, decision final 1
- Canada start
- Request by a member with reasonable grounds, a House resolution, or the Commissioner's own initiative 2
- US House
- Public submissions treated as confidential under Committee Rule 7 3
- Malta 2025
- 12 investigations concluded, misconduct found in 6 4
United Kingdom: House of Commons
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards looks at allegations that a named MP broke the Code of Conduct 5. Conduct in the chamber, ministerial conduct and crimes go elsewhere 5. Bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct go through the confidential Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme 5.
Under the Procedural Protocol, allegations must be in writing with evidence, and anonymous complaints are not accepted 1. The Commissioner opens an investigation only if there is sufficient evidence and an inquiry is proportionate 1. The standard is the balance of probabilities 1. The Commissioner publishes the names of MPs under investigation 1.
Outcomes are no breach, rectification with an apology, or referral to the Committee on Standards 1. The Committee can require an apology, training or repayment 1. The House decides suspension, loss of salary or expulsion 1. A Member can appeal to the Independent Expert Panel 1.
Canada: House of Commons Conflict of Interest Code
Under section 27 of the Code, a member with reasonable grounds to believe another member has not complied can ask the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner for an inquiry 2. The House can direct an inquiry by resolution, and the Commissioner can start one on their own initiative 2. Inquiries are held in private 2.
The Commissioner reports to the Speaker, and the report becomes public when tabled 2. The report can find no breach 2. If the breach was trivial, inadvertent or an error in judgment made in good faith, the Commissioner may recommend no sanction 2. Otherwise the Commissioner may recommend sanctions, and the House decides 2. An inquiry must be suspended if the same conduct is under another federal investigation or has led to a charge 2.
United States: House Committee on Ethics
The House Committee on Ethics accepts outside information from the public through an online form 3. It covers current Members, officers and employees, not Senators or executive branch officials 3. Submissions are confidential under Committee Rule 7, and the Committee says it cannot usually disclose the status of a submission 3. False, misleading or fraudulent submissions may be a crime, the Committee warns 3.
Malta: Commissioner for Standards in Public Life
Malta's Commissioner investigates Members of Parliament, including ministers, and persons of trust 4. In 2025 the office received 30 new complaints and closed 30 4. It did not investigate 17, and it concluded 12 investigations covering 13 complaints 4. Misconduct was found in six investigations and not found in six 4. Five cases went to the parliamentary Standing Committee for Standards in Public Life 4.
For a breach that is not serious, the Commissioner can set a deadline for a remedy such as an apology, and the case closes if the remedy is made 4.
Comparison table
| Parliament | Who decides | Possible outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| UK House of Commons | Commissioner, Committee on Standards, the House 1 | No breach, rectification, sanctions up to expulsion 1 |
| Canada House of Commons | Commissioner reports, the House decides 2 | No breach, breach with no sanction, breach with sanctions 2 |
| US House | Committee on Ethics 3 | Not stated on the complaint page 3 |
| Malta | Commissioner, Standing Committee 4 | No misconduct, misconduct referred, remedy agreed 4 |
Common questions
Can the public complain about an MP in the UK?
Yes, in writing with supporting evidence. Anonymous complaints are not accepted 1.
Who can ask for an inquiry in Canada?
A member with reasonable grounds, the House by resolution, or the Commissioner 2.
Does the US House Ethics Committee publish every complaint?
No. It treats submissions as confidential and usually cannot disclose their status 3.
What happens if a UK MP disputes a finding?
The case goes to the Committee on Standards, and the MP can later appeal to the Independent Expert Panel 1.
Rules and charges change. Check the official source linked on this page before you pay or travel. Spotted an error? Email hello@allegationindex.org.
Sources
- UK Parliament: Procedural Protocol in respect of the Code of Conduct (24 February 2023)
- House of Commons of Canada: Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons
- House Committee on Ethics: File a Complaint
- Commissioner for Standards in Public Life (Malta): Annual Report 2025 (31 July 2026)
- UK Parliament: Allegations and complaints against MPs
Related
- Upheld, not upheld, withdrawn and dismissed explained
What it means when a complaint is upheld or not upheld, when a charge is withdrawn or discontinued, and when a case is closed with no action.
- Standards of proof compared across courts and other bodies
Beyond reasonable doubt, balance of probabilities, clear and convincing evidence and the tests prosecutors and parliaments use, with the law.
- What ombudsman complaint outcomes mean
How ombudsman schemes in the UK, the EU and Kenya decide complaints, what upheld, maladministration and solution mean, and the latest published figures.
- What an allegation status means in official processes
How courts, regulators and standards bodies label an allegation at each stage, from complaint and investigation to notice, charge, finding and appeal.