The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) has submitted a complaint against Lord Andrew Feldman to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards for failing to uphold ethical standards.
Lord Andrew Feldman was employed as an unpaid advisor to government to provide advice on COVID-19 policy. During his tenure, the government awarded a £28m contract to testing company Oxford Nanopore. Lord Feldman, a Managing Director at Tulchan Communications, went on to provide consultancy for the company.
Neither Lord Feldman or Tulchan Communications are PRCA members.
Commenting on the news, PRCA Public Affairs Board Chair Liam Herbert CMPRCA said:
“It is entirely unacceptable for lobbyists to use influence and relationships gained through public-serving roles for commercial gain. The conflict of interest is undeniable. This behaviour brings the industry into disrepute and damages trust in our profession at a critical time for our country. Given that neither Tulchan nor Lord Feldman are accountable to the Public Affairs Code, we have chosen submit a complaint to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards.
“This week has given rise to a number of disturbing reports regarding unethical lobbying activity. We’d like to take this opportunity to remind all PRCA Public Affairs Board members of their ethical obligations. Any complaints alleging breaches of the Public Affairs Code amongst members will be taken very seriously.”
The move follows confirmation that the PRCA has begun investigating a complaint against Portland, following reports in last week’s Sunday Times.
PRCA brings complaint against Lord Feldman for “failing to uphold ethical standards”
