Watchdog calls for all lobbying to be publicly declared in transparency overhaul
10 reported
The government’s ethics watchdog has recommended that all lobbying of ministers, aides and senior officials be publicly declared, including informal communications such as WhatsApp chats and party conference meetings. A review led by Doug Chalmers, head of the ethics and integrity commission, proposes a new register to identify who is lobbying, which policies they seek to influence, and who they meet in government. The overhaul would require major legislation, but Chalmers said it is crucial to restore trust in the standards system. The review was ordered by Keir Starmer after the Peter Mandelson affair, in which Mandelson retained a stake in a lobbying firm while serving as US ambassador. The current lobbying register covers only a small amount of consultant lobbying and does not require disclosure of how it takes place. The government’s response will be decided by Andy Burnham, Starmer’s probable successor as prime minister. The proposals were welcomed by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, whose chief executive said they would fundamentally reshape the relationship between lobbyists and Westminster.
What’s reported
The ethics and integrity commission, led by Doug Chalmers, recommends a new register for all lobbying activity.
The register would require disclosure of the lobbyist, date, recipient, method, subject matter, client, ultimate beneficiary, and funding details.
The review was ordered by Keir Starmer after the Peter Mandelson affair.
Current law covers only ministers and permanent secretaries; the proposal would extend to special advisers, directors general, directors, and equivalent officials.
Loopholes that exempt VAT-exempt lobbyists or “incidental” communications would be closed.
An AI-powered platform would allow easy searching of the register alongside records of ministerial meetings.
Ministers and officials would be required to turn down meetings with unregistered third parties about policy or legislation.
Informal lobbying via WhatsApp or party conferences must be declared.
Maximum civil penalties for unregistered lobbying would increase.
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations welcomed the proposals, calling the current register the least transparent in the west.
Key figures
Doug Chalmers, head of the ethics and integrity commission
Keir Starmer, who ordered the review
Peter Mandelson, subject of the affair that prompted the review
Andy Burnham, Starmer’s probable successor as prime minister
Alastair McCapra, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Sources: The Guardian
