London, Apr 14: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Apr 14 that an independent review would have 'carte blanche' to look into lobbying, especially former Prime Minister David Cameron’s work for Greensill Capital.
The role Cameron played in trying to lobby ministers on behalf of the failed finance company has raised questions
about govt access, particularly by former ministers who take up paid employment with private firms.
It has also fueled accusations that Johnson’s govt operates a so-called 'chumocracy' where contracts are handed to friends - a charge denied by the govt, which says that Cameron’s lobbying did not result in his desired aim. Johnson’s spokesman said the review would not have legal powers - something the main opposition Labour Party said added to the impression that the review was “a Conservative cover up”.
Cameron has said he had not broken any lobbying rules, but that he accepted his communication with government should be completely formal. The former prime minister has indicated he will take part in the review.