Opinion: Siobhan Kenny on the importance of representation
It is indeed shocking that lobbying firms and big corporates with deep pockets are finding ever more ingenious ways to circumvent Parliamentary rules designed to ensure transparency and openness.
The Times lifts the lid on a burgeoning industry (‘Dirty secret’ gives lobbyists access to heart of Westminster) seeking to exert influence over MPs and Parliamentarians.
And why on earth spouses of honourable members, let alone those who have long since left office, are entitled to parliamentary passes, is a source of mystery. In most other walks of life, when you leave the job, you hand in the pass. The inquiry by Chris Bryant’s Commons Standards Committee into regulation of the system of access is therefore timely.