MP strikes out at lobbying industry

Charles Walker hit out yesterday as the Public Administration Select Committee kicked off its keenly anticipated inquiry into lobbying.

Walker, a member of the committee, gave a damning verdict in the committee's opening session.

He said: 'On arriving in Parliament two years ago I was just appalled at the poor quality of the lobbying that goes on in this place. I mean, it really is risible, the lobbying.'

He continued: 'It's the blanket letter - sent out by charities even - with the electronic signature. It's the 24 year-old public affairs officers from some organisation or other, or lobbying company. I remember when I was 24, I had nothing of interest to say whatsoever.'

Walker concluded his tirade by claiming that lobbyists give clients false expectations: 'It really is just so poor quality. I think a lot of lobbyists persuade their clients that their issue is going to be at the forefront of 653 MP's minds when actually only five of us have a passing interest.'

For further coverage of the select committee's lobbying inquiry see next week's PRWeek.