Cllr Ruth Dombey has been appointed as the Liberal Democrat member of the independent Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL)
Ruth has extensive local government experience, having been first elected as a councillor at the London Borough of Sutton in 2002. She was Leader of the Council from 2012 until 2024. During that time, she was one of the Vice Chairs of London Councils and was one of the four political group leaders to lead the capital during the Covid pandemic. During her term in office as one of the Deputy Chairs of the Local Government Association, Ruth was instrumental in promoting a programme which recognised the growing intimidation and harassment being experienced by local councillors and council leaders. This was developed into the LGA's Civility in Public Life programme which articulates good standards for anyone engaging in public and political discourser Ruth was awarded an OBE for services to local government and the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her work during the Covid pandemic.
The Committee for Standards in Public Life is an independent advisory Non Departmental Public Body sponsored and funded by the Cabinet Office. It is responsible for advising the Prime Minister on arrangements for upholding ethical standards of conduct across public life in England and promoting the seven principles of public life ('The Nolan Principles').
Ruth's appointment on the Committee followed the general election whereby the Liberal Democrats became the third largest party in the House of Commons. Her appointment is for a period of three years.
