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Labour fights lobbying after expose
22 Mar 2010- No movement in independence talks
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Labour has promised a crackdown on lobbying by ex-ministers after several of its senior MPs were filmed apparently offering their services for cash.
The party rushed forward a manifesto pledge for tighter regulation and monitoring as it emerged politicians had claimed to be able to influence policy.
Ex-Cabinet minister Stephen Byers was among retiring MPs interviewed by a fictitious US lobbying firm as part of a secret filming operation for a television documentary. He told an undercover reporter he had secured secret deals with ministers, could get confidential information from Number 10 and was able to help firms involved in price fixing get around the law.
The North Tyneside MP retracted his claims the following day - insisting he had "never lobbied ministers on behalf of commercial interests" and had exaggerated his influence.
The Sunday Times, which carried out the interviews with Channel 4's Dispatches programme, said Mr Byers, who held several key cabinet portfolios such as trade and transport, wanted £5,000 a day.
Another of those filmed was ex-health secretary Patricia Hewitt, who said she "completely rejected" the suggestion that she helped obtain a key seat on a Government advisory group for a client paying her £3,000 a day.
She stressed that the role she had been discussing would only have been taken up after she stepped down as an MP at the imminent election and insisted there was "nothing unusual or improper in the business appointments that I have taken up since leaving Government".
Tory leader David Cameron promised tougher controls last month - warning that secret corporate lobbying was the "next big scandal waiting to happen" in Westminster after expenses.
Stung by the latest revelations - which involved a number of retiring MPs including ex-minister Geoff Hoon and Margaret Moran - Labour said it too would act if it wins the general election.
"There can never be any suggestion that companies and businesses can only speak to government by buying access through MPs or anybody else," a spokesman said. "What this case shows is that we need more transparency in the entire lobbying system. That's why we believe that the time has come to support a Statutory Register of Lobbyists and we will bring forward proposals to that effect in our manifesto, building on the work we have already done to create a voluntary code."
Reader views (8)
Power corrupts - it seems that corruption attaches itself to the party in power. When the Tories were in power they had their own problems with sleeze. NuLabour were quick to chide them - now its the turn of the Tories to chide Labour. It will be easy for Brown to chastise the three ex ministers as Byers was one of Tony Blairs favourites, so there`s no love lost there. Hoon and Hewitt had plotted to get rid of Brown so he won`t lose anytime getting his own back. As far as Moran is concerned, she was caught fiddling her expenses fair and square and has been on sick leave ever since. Another easy target for Brown. However, on the lead up to the election everything, including the Unions, seem to be conspiring against NuLabour and this is the last thing they needed. Brown could have stopped all of this 16 months ago by implementing the recommendations of the Committee that looked into just this. Brown it seems, has a habit of bringing trouble on himself by being indecisive. A fact which David Cameron has pointed out, time and time again.
- Brian G, Norfolk Gorleston, 22/03/2010 08:09
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It has always bothered me that Peter Haynes was given £100.000.00 to him, why on earth would he want £100.000.00 for his fight for PM. The DPP investigated him and the the verdict was insufficient evidence to bring a prosicution. What did he promise? He still had the cash and still owes the favour.
- Michael Deasy, newhaven UK, 22/03/2010 01:23
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what with lobbyists and party whips - where is the DEMOCRACY?
Isn't it about time we got rid of all of them?
- Oggy Oggy Oop, uk, 21/03/2010 18:12
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The removal of lifetime access to Westminster by ex MP's would be a start, I wonder whether they will support such a measure?
- Ghengis Junior, Fishguard Wales, 21/03/2010 17:37
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Byers quite clearly says that his "usual fee is between £3000 to £5000" Yet he "never lobbied ministers on behalf of commercial interests"??!!
These MPs should not be allowed to stand down with a payoff. They should be sacked now and investigated for corruption.
- Jan, London, 21/03/2010 16:39
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...no way it can't be true - those tories were like this aver 12 years ago so lets talk about that not the hear and the now...Val quick send an e-mail invoking the ghosts of governments long past - but whatever you do accept no words denegrating NuLabour - they are infalible and can not be held accountable - its all a plot I tell you the corporations and the unions are out to get dear sweet innocent Gordon. One word people - what utter guff, time to say bye bye Balls and the other hangers on at Professional-Politician.Labour.com...
- Christian Ball, London, UK, 21/03/2010 15:30
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I am surprised that Stephen Byers knows what £5,000 is. Based on his numeracy skills, he thinks that 7 x 8 = 54. Would he be willing at accept £4,821.5 that is what £5,000 would be when reduced by the 3.27% he reduced the correct answer of 56. It would seem that there is no need for numeracy or honesty to float to the top in New Labour.
- Bob Stone, Bournemouth, England, 21/03/2010 12:57
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More pigs and more noses in the trough. Am I being naive but does the money these disgusting people receive appear in the disclosures they are supposed to make to the Parliamentary Authorities or do they appear on Tax Returns.? They really are beneath contempt.Their greed and criminal deceptions cannot be excused. Their limp explanations leave alot to be desired and do not really stand up to scrutiny.
- Ian Glen, Durham, 21/03/2010 09:58
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