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6d ago

Labour Infrastructure Forum Defends Cash-for-Access Model After Fee Details and Undeclared Meeting Revealed

After media revelations of tiered sponsorship rates alongside an undisclosed meeting with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, both organisations have insisted on full compliance with existing rules.

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Jonathan Reynolds, the business secretary, was among those named as potential key contacts
Labour officials told lobbyists: “This is a commercial transaction and not a gift to the party, it is not a recordable donation”

Overview

  • Multiple outlets corroborated that the Labour Infrastructure Forum offered sponsorship packages from £7,850 for private roundtables to £30,000 for Westminster receptions, promising companies private meetings with senior Labour figures.
  • LIF positions itself as an independent think tank rather than a lobbying firm or party body, claiming exemption from anti-lobbying regulations and transparency requirements.
  • The forum’s advisory council includes senior Labour MPs Mike Reader, Kirsteen Sullivan and Bill Esterson, as well as former minister Ruth Kelly and Lord McNicol of West Kilbride.
  • LIF has refused to disclose the identities of its corporate sponsors or which policymakers attend its events, fueling concerns over conflicts of interest.
  • Both LIF and the Labour Party spokespersons stated that sponsorship fees cover only operational costs and are reported in line with donation rules, despite the revelation of an undeclared meeting with Jonathan Reynolds.