New report suggests lobbying needs to be transparent

Mace | 3rd February 2026 | Lobbying, Policy & Think Tanks
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A transparent approach to lobbying needs to be taken if companies are to protect their reputations, according to a report by the Business and Democracy Commission released today.

It warns that the operating environment for business has changed and that “political pressures — from populism and weak policymaking to disinformation, values conflict and scrutiny of lobbying — are no longer background noise”. The report adds: “They represent material risks that can damage markets, disrupt operations, and erode reputation if not handled strategically.” The Commission, established by the CIPR, Ipsos, and Jericho Chambers, is chaired by Sir Ian Cheshire, who is also chair of Land Securities Group. It aims to “help businesses navigate today’s volatile political and cultural landscape – and secure their licence to operate in the years ahead”. The Commission’s ‘Navigating Growing Political Pressures’ report outlines how comms issues are among the major risks facing businesses today. It draws on interviews with corporate leaders and warns that “opaque lobbying creates reputational drag, regulatory risk, and stakeholder mistrust”. The report calls on businesses to “ensure th...

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