The undercover actions of people paying £250,000 for time with David Cameron, as reported by The Sunday Times last week, are refuted by public relations regulators.

The scandal, revealed by former Conservative treasurer Peter Cruddas, denied that a donation would lead to political influencing.

In response to Cruddas’ resignation, the CIPR, which has long campaigned for universal transparency for people involved in lobbying, strongly condemned the idea of using money as a means to influence policy.

The CIPR says: “Public affairs professionals know the limits of influence, and that a well argued policy paper sent to Whitehall and Westminster is far more effective than a photograph with the Prime Minister.

“The latter access can be achieved through hard work, a well-written argument and knowledge of how policy-making really works.”

In a statement issued yesterday, the PRCA reiterated its opinion that an independent body is needed to keep a register of all lobbyists, and independent people intending to influence policy, in every sector.

It also stated the need to address the effectiveness of the current codes that cover Ministers and the laws that cover donations.