Lobbying: Lord Chadlington, David Cameron's Aide Backs Lobbying Regulation

Why Does This Man Think We Should Regulate Lobbying?

David Cameron's constituency president has said he believes lobbying needs to be regulated.

Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Lord Chadlington said there was a clear difference between PR and lobbying.

Mr Cameron faced controversy last month after it emerged he had paid £137,000 for a piece of land he bought at his constituency home from Lord Chadlington.

But the peer, who runs PR firm Huntsworth, told Today: "Lobbying is not about public relations, that's about the relationship between the client and the Government and it's a very small proportion of what happens in public relations. I as a peer anyway have strict rules about what I can and cannot do.

"You mustn't muddle up public relations and lobbying. Lobbying is about trying to change the law or change the position or perspective of a client amongst Government.

"That needs to be regulated, of that I have absolutely no doubt at all - and nor do the legislators. 80% of MPs believe that lobbying is an important part of our lives, but they also believe, 70% believe, we should regulate it and I believe it too."

Asked about his relationship with the Prime Minister, Lord Chadlington said: "Huntsworth never gives any money to the Conservative Party and never has.

"I bought a house as part of my own place in the country. I had been trying to buy the house for the 20 years I had lived there and the person who owned it died and that's all that happened.

"I'm president of the Prime Minister's constituency. I therefore have a role in the constituency which would involve me helping in various ways locally, but that's what I do."

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