Tory lobbyist joins LGA as head of media

A week after Francis Maude pushed for greater transparency within the lobbying industry it emerged that the Local Government Association has hired a lobbyist and former Conservative special adviser to head up its media and campaigns team ahead of the next election. The LGA is currently chaired by Conservative Cllr Margaret Eaton although it acts as the voice of the whole local government sector.

Iain Wilton joins the LGA from Quintus Public Affairs where he had worked as  associate director since January 2008. In the 1990s, he worked as a special adviser to ex-Tory leader Michael Howard, during his time as employment secretary and as aide to the former health secretary William Waldegrave.

The appointment coincides with embarrassing revelations over the number of lobbyists who are running as Conservative parliamentary candidates. The Times this morning reported that:

“28 prospective candidates who have a good chance of becoming Tory MPs are working as lobbyists or public relations consultants on behalf of businesses and other interests. More than a quarter got their jobs after being selected to fight seats.”

Last week Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude said:

“Greater openness and transparency is needed to help ensure high standards in public life. If the industry fails to self-regulate, it should be prepared for legislation which will ensure greater accountability.”