Fuller transparency, the requirement to retain e- communication records and a strengthening of Freedom of Information requests are all key to countering the temptations lobbying presents
David Cameron in London, Britain, on May 13 2021. Picture: REUTERS/HANNAH MCKAY
David Cameron certainly did that. He reportedly sold the rights for his memoirs to an imprint of HarperCollins for £800,000 in 2016 and gave lucrative speeches. But the revelations — by the BBC’s Panorama programme — that the former prime minister’s lobbying for the collapsed supply-chain finance firm Greensill Capital allegedly earned him $10m for two years of part-time work, showcased a different kind of post-government career — and one that holds dangers for any democracy.
Cameron’s aggressive lobbying trashed his reputation, embarrassed his party and may end up costing taxpayers a bundle. It also presents a challenge for Boris Johnson. Should the rules be tightened further? Should Johnson himself pledge to behave better when his turn comes? To both, the answer is yes. But don’t hold your breath on either happening.
And yet to prevent wrongdoing, high levels of transparency are key. The great, glaring irony of Cameron’s lobbying scandal is how perfectly he predicted it in 2010 when he declared his intent to clean up politics. “We all know how it works. The lunches, the hospitality, the quiet word in your ear, the ex-ministers and ex-advisers for hire, helping big business find the right way to get its way.” Competition, not cronyism, would be his party’s watchword he promised.
While the UK has a body to advise on the propriety of business appointments, its status, remit and lack of enforcement power make it weak. In its May UK compliance report, the Group of States Against Corruption noted that only five of its 12 recommendations had been implemented satisfactorily.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
THERESE RAPHAEL: Cameron’s Greensill lobbying could cost UK taxpayers — should rules be tightened?Fuller transparency, the requirement to retain e- communication records and a strengthening of Freedom of Information requests are all key to countering the temptations lobbying presents
Read more »
Devastating climate report tightens the squeeze on fossil fuelsScientists warn that time is fast running out to stop global warming from shooting past 1.5ºC
Read more »
Another suspect nabbed for VBS-related corruptionR92 million worth of taxpayer money was invested into VBS, in contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act.
Read more »
Prison-like horrors of UK quarantine put tourists off visiting SAIndustry calls for more government action to get SA off UK red list
Read more »
Mango gets sweet rescue deal, but unions not impressedAirline officially in business rescue, but unions claim ruling sets up a worrying precedent
Read more »
Unions up in arms as court gives nod to Mango rescueBoard plan approved amid claims ruling creates a worrying precedent
Read more »