The climate change Minister is at the centre of a sleaze row after it was revealed that he gave a Commons pass to the director of an environmental lobbying company.
Phil Woolas gave Deborah Dunlop, 28, the sought-after card while she worked for him as an adviser. At the same time she was establishing a consultancy to ‘help companies succeed in the green economy’
Last night, the lobbying industry’s regulatory body said Ms Dunlop’s arrangement with Environment Minister Mr Woolas clearly breached its code of conduct banning political consultants from holding a Commons pass or having ‘any involvement on behalf of a political party’.
Ms Dunlop’s company SD Environmental Solutions boasts to prospective clients that ‘the green pound is more powerful than ever and with Government legislation affecting more industries and institutions it is vital you are well informed and understand ongoing requirements if you are to survive and thrive’.
Since Mr Woolas moved to his environment post in June last year he has been involved in several policy controversies, including defending genetically-modified food against criticism by Prince Charles, ordering power companies to introduce energy-saving measures and calling for greater use of biofuels. All are issues likely to be of interest to Ms Dunlop’s potential clients.
This month Mr Woolas was accused of being out of touch when he suggested families hit by soaring bills should remortgage to pay for loft and wall insulation.
Last night Ms Dunlop insisted she was not covered by the lobbying code because her company was ‘dormant’ while she was working with Mr Woolas.
Filed under: Abusing the System | Tagged: Abusing the System
