The recent revelations of former Prime Minister David Cameron’s lobbying efforts via WhatsApp have sparked calls for reform of the rules governing such communications. An influential group of MPs has highlighted the need for greater transparency in lobbying activities, particularly when it comes to instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
During the height of the Covid pandemic, Cameron and his staff exchanged numerous messages with ministers regarding financier Lex Greensill, whose company later collapsed in 2021. The messages, including WhatsApps to then Chancellor Rishi Sunak, were only revealed after the fact, raising concerns about the lack of transparency in such communications.
The MPs are recommending that WhatsApp communications be subject to the same disclosure rules as face-to-face meetings with ministers. They also suggest blocking the use of WhatsApp on official devices unless a transparency regime is in place to ensure public confidence in the democratic process.
The report from the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee also calls for greater disclosure of special adviser meetings and more frequent reporting of lobbying activities. The current system, which only requires disclosure of meetings with senior media figures, is seen as inadequate and potentially undermining public confidence in the integrity of the lobbying process.
Overall, the MPs are pushing for a more robust and transparent system to ensure that the public is fully informed about the influences being brought to bear on policy formulation. The government has stated that they have clear guidance in place for electronic communications, including WhatsApp, and have committed to stricter standards for transparency in their revised guidance.
The calls for reform come in the wake of the Greensill scandal, highlighting the need for greater oversight and accountability in lobbying activities to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.