MSP who led lobbying crusade at Holyrood seeks new career – as a lobbyist
A LABOUR MSP who has led the charge against lobbying scandals at Holyrood is hoping to find work as a lobbyist himself, it has emerged.
Neil Findlay is looking for a job in public affairs while touting his “excellent working relationships with the Scottish and UK media, stakeholders and politicians”.
His online CV now uses a picture of him taken in a parliamentary committee room with the hashtag “#opentowork” superimposed on it.
Below it, the left-wing MSP says he is open to offers as a “campaign officer, public affairs advisor and communications manager”.
The SNP said Mr Findlay’s move would “raise an eyebrow or two”.
Mr Findlay, a Lothians MSP since 2011, was Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership campaign manager in Scotland, and is a prominent figure on the left of Scottish Labour.
He was the driving force behind the public register which records direct contacts between ministers, MSPS, officials and lobbyists.
He warned some lobbyists might “enjoy greater influence than others as a result of having greater access to politicians and influence over policy and decision-making”.
Now, as he prepares to stand down as an MSP at next year’s Holyrood election, Mr Findlay, 51, is advertising himself as a would-be lobbyist based on his own contacts and experience.
On his Linkedin page, he states: “Having been a member of the Scottish Parliament since 2011 and a Councillor for 8 years prior to that, I have excellent knowledge of the workings of the Scottish Parliament and local government.
“I am an experienced campaigner successfully raising the profile of issues through a range campaigning and communications techniques.
“I have extensive knowledge of public affairs and the political system, strong research, communications and public speaking skills.”
Mr Findlay never opposed lobbying, but warned it could undermine public trust in politics without greater transparency.
His Lobbying Transparency Bill of 2012 was designed to avoid shadowy influence peddling.
Spurred into action, the Scottish Government then introduced its own Bill on the issue, which became law in 2016, and the Lobbying Register went live in 2018.
An SNP spokesperson said: “The term poacher turned gamekeeper springs to mind here. Of course, we all expect Mr Findlay to be the epitome of openness and transparency – although using a picture of himself in parliament to tout for work outside parliament will raise an eyebrow or two.”
Mr Findlay said: “After I leave parliament, I like most other people will have to work for a living.
“I have no desire to work in the commercial lobbying sector butwould like to use the skills and knowledge I have to pursue causes that deliver progress on issues such as workers’ rights, social housing, health, anti poverty initiatives and ending the drugs deaths crisis.”