"Arden Strategies, which is run by ex-Labour cabinet minister Jim Murphy, asked companies for 30,000 to sponsor an event, including a "photo opportunity" with a minister and access to a "VIP dinner" with "top advisers" to Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves. The Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) said: "The government must order a review of cash-for-access schemes" as "these are precisely the kinds of behaviour that seriously undermine public confidence in our industry"."
"Information about an event unfortunately contained very clumsy language by mistake which should never have been used and hadn't been approved. It was stupid to do and we apologise for this mistake. This included mentioning attendees who had not been confirmed. We are sorry for these errors."
Arden Strategies, run by ex-Labour cabinet minister Jim Murphy, offered companies a £30,000 sponsorship package that included a "photo opportunity" with a minister and access to a "VIP dinner" with "top advisers" to Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves. The PRCA called for urgent reform and an immediate review of cash-for-access schemes, saying such behaviour undermines public confidence. Arden Strategies is registered with the lobbying regulator but is not a PRCA member. The firm apologised for errors and "clumsy language", saying attendees had not been confirmed. Downing Street and the Treasury reported no formal invitations to their staff; the Cabinet Office was contacted.
Read at www.bbc.com
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