Back in February 2010, before that year's general election and when leader of the opposition, David Cameron gave a speech warning 'lobbying is the next scandal waiting to happen'. Since becoming prime minister, Mr Cameron – himself a public relations director for Carlton TV before entering Parliament – has seen this prophecy come to pass.

Prominent among these we can include the resignation of the Conservative treasurer Peter Cruddas over a newspaper cash-for-access story and the frustrated attempt by News International to regain control of BSkyB – which ultimately led to Lord Leveson's inquiry.