I wouldn't take the job if I thought I was going to be easily seen off by anybody in Westminster

Philip Mawer

She also reported that her findings against five government ministers were watered down by MPs on the select committee on Standards and Privileges.

"Obviously I want to work closely with the select committee and I would hope and expect that there would not be the sort of difficulties which had been alleged," Mr Mawer told the BBC's Breakfast with Frost programme.

"If there were, I would first take my concerns to the Speaker and the Commons in general and then, obviously, if I was not satisfied I would have to consider my position. But I don't expect that to happen.

Enforcer

"I wouldn't take the job if I thought that I was going to be anybody's patsy or easily seen off by anybody in Westminster."

In the wake of the Mittal loan affair, Mr Mawer was asked if he would be prepared to step in to investigate allegations of ministerial misconduct.

"My job is to enforce the Code of Conduct for MPs," he said.

"Clearly a key issue at the moment is whether the ministerial system of regulation should be aligned with Parliamentary system of regulation.

"If Parliament and government decided that they wanted the Standards Commissioner to take on that additional responsibility, then obviously I would do it and do it well."