PR Week is reporting that the Liberal Democrats are offering lobbyists the opportunity to attend ‘exclusive dinners’ with Nick Clegg in return for an annual payment of £25,000.
The party is setting up three new groups in bid to raise more than £1m for the party coffers, including a ‘Leaders Forum’ restricted to an elite 50 individuals.
“In confidential documents obtained by PRWeek, Clegg calls for wealthy figures to get involved – regardless of their political persuasion. ‘You don’t have to be a Liberal Democrat to take part,’ he says. ‘In today’s politics, all are welcome.’
“The move immediately opens up Clegg’s party to damaging accusations of cash-for-access. The campaign group Spinwatch last night attacked the Lib Dems for allowing businesses ‘to buy listening time and potentially influence policy’.
The Lib Dems denied allegations of cash-for-access. The three new groups were promoted to a select group of lobbyists at a recent launch event, also attended by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander and Business Secretary Vince Cable.
The party is desperate to raise funds as it is deserted by supporters and faces a major voter back lash in the local and Scottish elections.
