CIPR responds to Peter Cruddas resignation

After the Sunday Times report today implicating the Conservative Party Treasurer in a cash for access scandal, the CIPR has issued the following statement.

The CIPR acknowledges that influencing public policy is a sensitive issue, however this story focuses on issues of party funding and access.

The CIPR strongly condemns the notion that cash can gain access to policy makers. Public affairs professionals know the limits of influence, and that a well argued policy paper sent to Whitehall and Westminster is far more effective than a photograph with the Prime Minister. The latter access can be achieved through hard work, a well-written argument and knowledge of how policy-making really works.

CIPR members abide by the core principles of ethical practice and transparency in the Institute's code of conduct, when they offer professional counsel to their clients or employers.

The CIPR has long argued for universal transparency for all those involved in lobbying activity and we will continue to do so in its formal written response to the Cabinet Office’s proposals to ‘Introduce a Statutory Register of Lobbyists’.