The Government has announced Alison White as their proposed candidate for the first ever Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists. White will appear at a pre-appointment hearing before the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee on Thursday 11 September at 10am.
White is the former Chief Executive of the national Pharmacy Association and has also served as Interim Chief Executive of the General Dental Council. Since 2008 she has operated as Director of Alison J White Change Leadership Ltd. If approved, she will oversee the establishment and day-to-day management of the Government’s Statutory Register of Lobbyists.
Iain Anderson, Chairman of the APPC
"I welcome Alison White to this new post and I wish her well with the task ahead. The APPC will be seeking to continue our constructive dialogue with the Cabinet Office and with the Office of the Lobbying Registrar between now and May 7th in order to ensure that the new Registrar takes on board the concerns that have been raised by our members. “With just over eight months before the general election the job of establishing the new Lobbying Register will be no mean feat. The new Registrar will need to consult fully with all interested stakeholders, will have to develop a user-friendly and secure website on which to host the new Register and will have to allow third-party lobbyists a number of months in which to compile the correct data for inclusion on the first Register entry." |
Francis Ingham, PRCA Director General
“It’s an interesting appointment, but one which raises several questions – notably centered around how much the candidate knows about the real, practical world of lobbying. Distinguishing these realities from the myths and misconceptions that often rear their head is essential to commanding the respect of the Government, the industry and the public. “I’m sure the PCR Committee will raise these questions and more. “A practical experience of lobbying in real terms - rather than abstract legalese or narrow definitions - is categorically the best way to start this role and to that end we would like to reiterate our earlier public invitation. Shadow our members with us, gain the fullest understanding of the work they do and appreciate how this legislation will practically affect them. "I certainly hope Alison White accepts our long-standing offer. "We look forward to informing their work, to assisting their office in this start-up stage and to ensuring that our industry has Lobbying Act clarity it seeks.” |