For a working lobbyist, a connection to a UK Cabinet Minister could be worth up to £112,000 a year.

Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox’s resignation after his relationship with Adam Werritty came under scrutiny has raised serious questions about the influence of special friends, business and donors on policy making. After researching the lobbying industry in the US, Mirko Draca argues the UK needs to implement a lobbying disclosure regime to increase transparency and trust in government.