It’s been a bit of a rocky ride for David Cameron since he came to power, the honeymoon didn’t last too long and since then he hasn’t really had what a sportsman would say, a ‘decent run of games’.  As soon as he seems to be getting a reasonable head of steam, either one of his Tory or Lib Dem team seems to debilitate him or he is able to deliver a fairly decent self inflicted wound.  The on-going saga with his Director of Communications Andy Coulson, which ironically seemed to result in one communication faux pas after another and Adam Werritty’s cosy relationship with Liam Fox are just two that spring to mind.

Before he came to power Cameron made a commitment ‘to clean up politics’, I doubt he expected to have to work as hard to get his own house in order.  The recent revelations regarding Tory Co-Treasurer Peter Cruddas and access to the PM has just added to the list.As a result of this and other issues lobbying and lobbyists are in the spotlight and on an issue that transcends across all political parties, not forgetting Labour’s Stephen Byer’s, Patricia Hewitt and Geoff Hoon, the whole profession is currently being dragged through the mire.Transparency or a perceived lack therein is at the crux of the issue. Who is lobbying who and what are they lobbying about.  The Coalition government’s consultation on a statutory register of lobbyists closes this Friday (13th) and this process has stirred much debate and a fair degree of emotion from many different organisations. 

However, what is being lost somewhat in this debate is what the act of lobbying actually is and the fact that it is an integral and essential element of any modern and mature democracy.  So many different organisations and representative groups lobby, be they NGO’s, professional bodies,  corporate, charities, trade unions, thinks tanks on issues relating to education, health, children’s issues, community and business, the list goes on and on. Lobbying is not about murky deals in political chambers, the mistrust that exists amongst the public must be addressed through education and transparency. George Osborne’s recent budget turnaround on his proposed child benefit policy, the NSPCC’s campaign to lobby for more investment on educating young people about the dangers of the internet, Friends of the Earth’s impact on the Kyoto Protocol and climate change policy are just a few examples of how lobbying is an integral part of how democracy works.

What is key in the process is that organisations that use political lobbyists or consultancies buy knowledge, not influence, in what are arcane political processes as well as the skills to navigate through them.As regards the corporate world, does the Government need to know what hinders or helps the wheels of business? Yes, it is removed from it and for that very reason needs its knowledge and expertise to make informed decisions, good governance and sustainable legislation.   Engagement enables that, but this has to be a two way relationship.

Lack of good communication is one of the biggest single failings of any government and a government that doesn’t openly work with stakeholders is not aware or informed and this is a recipe for failure, for both long term political and legislative sustainability.  Providing politicians with expert views and information is integral to good governance.   However, armed with this information it is then for the politicians and only the politicians to decide how they use that knowledge and indeed if, or how, it is reflected in any programme for government or legislative process.

So what of the proclaimed crisis of transparency with lobbyists?  There are some eminent members of the UK lobbying profession who claim the process is totally transparent, who vehemently oppose a statutory register of lobbyists, stating that it can never be properly maintained and point to the USA where they believe it has failed.  Whatever about this viewpoint the fact remains that there is a significant element of the public and political class that are sceptical and this is something that needs addressed.  What the profession needs is a restoration of trust and a satisfactory resolution to this process for all, and quickly.  The whole uncertainty is simply a hindrance.

The PRCA, which represents many PR consultancies welcomes the Government’s proposal for a statutory register of lobbyists and recognises that this should be administered by an independent body and has credibility with not only Government and the industry but importantly, with the public.  It believes that this is only sustainable if it includes all those that act in a lobbying capacity including in house communications teams, think tanks, trade unions, lawyers, management consultancies, charities and other professional organisations.  The inclusion of only multi – client agencies only would ensure the register fails in its single biggest objective, brining structure and clarity to all those who engage in lobbying activity.

This issue of regulation relates as much to politicians as it does to those who lobby them, just consider some of the personnel involved in the controversies, Fox and  Cruddas of the Tory party and Byers, Hoon and Hewitt of Labour.   There is also the undercurrent of mistrust of the political class by the public which righty reached hysteria around the time of the expenses scandal.  Successive governments have not done enough to instill trust in politics and political institutions, they occasionally talk a good game but have seldomly backed it up. It’s not a new thing.  For generations just as smoke follows fire, scandal and intrigue has followed closely behind politics just think of Profumo, Archer and Hamilton – it’s time that changed.     If David Cameron is serious about changing politics for the better, recent events suggest he should start with his own party.

He also needs to make the public feel that the Government is truly reflective and representative of society which means no more patronising and hollow statements about us all ‘being in this together’ to be followed by a budget  that appears to reward the elite and punish many societal groups that are struggling but that’s a debate for another day.

As for the lobbying industry, we must play our role in restoring confidence and the quicker this is done the better.  No more prevarication from Government a universal resolution that is acceptable by all is needed and paramount within this remains access for everyone, to our political stakeholders for the day we lose that is the day democracy dies.

Shane Finnegan is Head of Public Affairs at Public Relations and Public Affairs agency Aiken PR