The Prime Minister’s ethics adviser will be able to launch investigations into ministerial misconduct without seeking Sir Keir Starmer’s consent, new Government documents have confirmed.

An update to the Ministerial Code published on Wednesday removed in writing the prime minister’s ability to object to investigations being considered by independent counsel Sir Laurie Magnus.

The new version of the Code removed text that said the Prime Minister would “normally consent” to investigations, but reserved the right to “express concerns” about an investigation “so that the independent adviser do not proceed” if there is “public interest”. reasons for doing so”.

The Code now states that “where the Independent Counsel considers that an alleged breach of the Code warrants further investigation and the matter has not already been brought to his attention, he may initiate an investigation after notifying the Prime Minister”.

“Ministers are expected to provide the independent adviser with all information reasonably necessary to carry out their role.”

In its election manifesto, Labor pledged to give the independent counsel’s office “powers to open investigations into misconduct and ensure they have access to the evidence they need”.

Also in the code there are tips for ministers who can accept hospitality, tightening the previous rules and mentioning the families of ministers.

The code states that ministers should not accept gifts or hospitality that could “impair their judgment or place them under any obligation to persons or organizations that may improperly attempt to influence their work in government”.

The same principle applies to their family members.

Previously the code said “ministers should not accept any gift or hospitality which might or might reasonably appear to impair their judgment or place them under an undue obligation”.

Ministers are also told they should be “mindful” of “public confidence” in government standards when making decisions about accepting gifts or hospitality.

Earlier this autumn, senior politicians including Sir Keir Starmer were caught in a row over free tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour and the Government’s role in relevant security arrangements.

It emerged that the Prime Minister and his family met the pop star and her mother at one of the concerts in London during the summer.

It came after it was reported that London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper were involved in talks over concert security, after which Swift was given a blue light escort, a type of protection usually reserved for royalty and politicians.

A foreword to the code by Sir Keir said the code “sets out the higher standards to which the British people expect and which ministers must now follow”.

“The British people have lost faith in their ability to change their lives for the better.

“For too long they have looked at the behavior of politicians in Westminster and not seen the high standards of public service they expect or deserve,” the Prime Minister added.

Sir Laurie has been an independent councilor since December 2022, when he was appointed by then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.