GORDON BROWN is drawing up plans for a legally binding “code of conduct” for MPs in an attempt to clean up Westminster.

The framework would force politicians to sign up to rigorous ethical standards and could stipulate minimum service commitments to their constituents. Those who flout the code could face serious sanctions, including fines or even ejection from their seats.

Brown hopes the rules will make MPs more accountable to voters and help rebuild the battered reputation of the Commons.

Aides say he recognises the level of anger about expenses and the public’s frustration at not being able to oust immediately the MPs guilty of the worst abuses, with those who have agreed to step down not departing until the next election.

A Downing Street source said: “Both in their financial affairs and in the job they do for their constituents, the public want to see that MPs are upholding the highest standards. A binding code of conduct could raise the bar on both. The vast majority of MPs are honest and hard-working, but we need a tougher system so members can be held to account if they let people down.”

The idea is at an early stage, but one model being looked at is the code of conduct for members of the German Bundestag. Under that system politicians who bring parliament into disrepute with financial transgressions face hefty fines.

Another option is for MPs who break the code to be named and shamed. The possibility of introducing “recall” elections – giving voters the power to force by-elections – has not been ruled out.

The code could spell out for the first time how much annual leave MPs can take. Under the current system, it is left to their discretion how much of the long parliamentary recesses they use for holidays. The breaks are designed to allow MPs to work in their constituencies, but the system is abused by some.

Jack Straw, the justice secretary, is expected to consider reducing the length of recesses as part of a review of constitutional reform.

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