JUNE 2nd 2010

A new poll today by ComRes finds that a clear majority of the lobbying industry supports the coalition government’s commitment to introduce a statutory register of lobbyists. The exclusive poll, which was commissioned by industry magazine Public Affairs News, found that almost two thirds of lobbyists support a statutory register.

The finding is significant as it suggests that the sector’s three associations – the Association of Professional Political Consultants (APPC), the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) and the CIPR Government Affairs  Group (CIPR GAG) – are out of step with industry opinion.

All three groups favour self regulation - which the Public Administration Select Committee inquiry into lobbying concluded was inadequate.