The reports about the lobbying practices of Arden Strategies should be taken extremely seriously. If what is alleged is accurate, these are precisely the kinds of behaviour that seriously undermine public confidence in our industry. The fact that receiving sponsorship for access to politicians and advisers could be allowed within the current rules demonstrates the need for urgent reform.
The Government must order a review of cash-for-access schemes through the newly created Ethics and Integrity Commission, and take action accordingly. As the UK’s largest trade association for consultant lobbyists, we uphold a robust Code for Professional Lobbyists. All lobbyists should be members of the PRCA and adhere to our guidelines, and it is notable that Arden Strategies is not currently a member.
This is not the first time rules in this area have been breached. The Government must show leadership on integrity and transparency if we are to rebuild public confidence in the vital role that ethical and transparent lobbying plays in our democracy.
