PR job elicits mixed feeling

Rose Harland • Published 21 Feb 2010 16:51 1 Comment

OPINION is divided over Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay's decision to accept a consultancy job with a public relations company.

Mr MacKay confirmed that he will take up the post with company Burson-Marsteller when he leaves Parliament at the next election, only days after Conservative leader David Cameron attacked covert lobbying.

Mr Cameron, speaking at the University of East London, said that lobbyists secretly influencing ministers on behalf of large businesses was the "next big scandal" and pledged Tory crackdowns on the practice, including possibly barring former ministers from lobbying work immediately after leaving Parliament, on threat of losing their pensions.

Ray Earwicker, Bracknell Lib Dem hopeful, said: "Andrew MacKay doesn't seem to realise that the parties want to make a fresh start in terms of how Parliament is run."

But his Labour counterpart John Piasecki said: "Is anybody surprised? That's the way of the world. If you don't like what he's done, don't vote Conservative in Bracknell."

Reaction to Mr MacKay's new appointment has been mixed on the News' website www.bracknellnews.co.uk

Reader, Derek Webb, wrote: "This man has behaved disgracefully. He has got off lightly and lost the respect of many people in Bracknell."

But Alison Smith said: "Andrew was an outstanding MP who gave to the local community for 25 years and is highly respected. He was supportive and well informed. Good luck Andrew."

Mr MacKay will be an international consultant and strategic adviser for Busron-Marsteller. UK CEO Matt Carter said: "Andrew will add further senior expertise to a team with already strong representation across all the main parties which means that we are uniquely placed to advise clients whatever the make-up of the new Government after the election."

In a statement released through Burson-Marsteller, Mr MacKay said: "After leaving Parliament I want to be a part of a winning team that is assisting global businesses face their strategic communications challenges and Burson-Marsteller provides a fantastic opportunity to do this.

"I considered a number of consultancies and decided on Burson-Marsteller because of its range of international clients, its campaigning approach and the quality of the team."

Mr MacKay was not available for further comment.

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  Feb 23, 11:30
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  Mr Mackay never is available for comment
  
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