The Story How the Times exposed Westminster's ‘cash for access’ breakfasts
Aug 5, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Paul Morgan-Bentley, Head of Investigations at The Times, reveals insights from his undercover work uncovering 'cash for access' practices in Westminster. He details how sponsors sought private meetings with influential Labour figures, raising alarms about the ethics of lobbying. Through meticulous research and leaked documents, the investigation highlights the thin line between legitimate influence and corruption. Paul emphasizes the crucial role of journalism in advocating for transparency and trust in politics.
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Prospectus Reveals Cash for Access
- A Labour prospectus openly offered sponsorship packages for private breakfasts with influential Labour figures.
- This transparency on cash-for-access deals is unusual and raises ethical questions.
Lobbying Transparency Has Loopholes
- Lobbying requires transparency and donations over £11,180 must be disclosed, but grey areas allow some sponsorships not to be reported.
- Labour Infrastructure Forum falls between categories and doesn’t have to disclose event sponsorship money.
Undercover Sting on Labour Lobbyists
- The Times set up a fake Ghana-based advisory company to investigate the Labour Infrastructure Forum undercover.
- They quickly got a call back from Gerry McFall, director of the Forum, showing access to senior Labour figures.