Committee on Standards and Privileges Publishes Report on Complaint Against Mr Mark Durkan MLA and Ms Cara Hunter MLA

The Committee on Standards and Privileges has today (01 May 2026) published its report on a complaint by Ms Diane Forsythe MLA against Mr Mark Durkan MLA and Ms Cara Hunter MLA, alleging that they had breached the Assembly Members’ Code of Conduct (the Code).

It was alleged that the Members breached Rule 12 of the Code, which prohibits unauthorised disclosure of confidential or protectively marked information, through the publication of an Assembly motion in their names which referenced the findings of an inquiry by the Public Accounts Committee, whilst the relevant report was under embargo.  

The complaint was investigated by the independent Assembly Commissioner for Standards, who concluded that neither Mr Durkan nor Ms Hunter had breached the Code.

The Chairperson of the Committee on Standards and Privileges, Cathy Mason MLA said: “The Committee takes allegations of breaches of the Assembly’s Code of Conduct very seriously. Therefore, it was right that an independent investigation was carried out in order to establish the facts in relation to the allegations made. The Committee agreed with the conclusion of the Commissioner that no breach of the Code had occurred. However, we are reminding all MLAs of their responsibilities regarding matters published or progressed in their names and to take the necessary steps to protect and maintain confidentiality. The Committee has also called for guidance to issue to all MLAs, Members’ staff and party staff, on the meaning and purpose of embargos.”

The full report can be read here.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact the NI Assembly Communications Office: communications@niassembly.gov.uk

Notes to Editor:

• Find out more about the work of the Committee on Standards and Privileges, including Membership.
• Read the Code of Conduct for Assembly Members.
• The current Commissioner for Standards is Stephen Wright - find out more about his role.