Labour have attempted to ratchet up the pressure on Britain’s most senior civil servant to intervene in the row over allegations that the Conservatives’ election guru used his position to lobby ministers on behalf of private clients.

Conservative party election strategist denies discussed tobacco issues with PM or Health Secretary

He says claims made that he 'sought to improperly use his position' as campaign advisor were 'simply false'

David Cameron was facing fresh questions about his election guru Lynton Crosby after it emerged the lobbyist's firm advised a private health alliance at the time of the Government's controversial NHS reforms.

Prime Minister is under pressure over his strategist’s potential conflict of interest

The median voter has no idea who this supposed magician might be

'Being an MP should not be a sideline. It's a privilege and a duty,' says Labour leader

MPs are undermining public trust in democracy by failing to back tighter controls on lobbying, Parliament’s official sleaze watchdog has warned.

Outlook When does lobbying become undue influence? Sir Mervyn King certainly appears to feel that the activities of the banks have been straying into the territory of the latter when it comes to their battling against the Bank of England's demands that they hold more capital.

The state is realising only now that these youths are not calling for chaos, but for inclusion

After three years of delay, the Coalition is promising a statutory register of lobbyists

Commons Speaker John Bercow today suspended the issuing of new Commons passes to staff working for all-party parliamentary groups amid concerns they are being used as a vehicle for political lobbying at Westminster.

It is more than two years since The Independent first began campaigning for lobbying reform. Now, after yet more grubby scandals that undermine public faith in political institutions, the Government finally announced it would act.

Reporters posing as lobbyists filmed peers ‘offering to sell parliamentary influence’