Prissy Rishi has appointed Sir Laurie Magnus as his ethics adviser – a bit like the Jiminy Cricket character in the Walt Disney Pinocchio cartoon. Unlike Jiminy Cricket, he can only speak or act when Prissy says he can. That’s convenient
In the Walt Disney cartoon Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket is the conscience and guide for the boy who started life as a puppet. He gives guidance to Pinocchio when he needs it without waiting to be asked.
In the real life version Sir Magnus is not able to investigate or comment unless he has been given permission to by Prissy Rishi. Apparently he was after someone who would have “critical qualities of integrity and independence; relevant expertise and experience; and an ability to command the trust and confidence of ministers”.
Ministers will be confident that Jiminy Cricket won’t be pestering them with annoying questions of morality or integrity as long as they keep Rishi happy.