David Cameron has said that he will introduce new rules to better control the lobbying sector if he forms the next government. In a speech at the University Of East London, the Tory leader said lobbying rules would be introduced as part of a Parliamentary Privilege Act.

There has been increased debate in recent years about whether new rules should be introduced to force those in lobbying and political consultancy to be more transparent about who is talking to whom about what. So far there has been considerable disagreement within the lobbying sector as to whether new rules are needed at all, and if so whether they should be introduced by new laws or a voluntary industry code.

But Cameron says he will take the initiative on this issue if and when he is in power. He said: "It's important that businesses, charities and other organisations feel they can make sure their voice is heard. And indeed, lobbying often makes for better, more workable, legislation. But I believe that it is increasingly clear that lobbying in this country is getting out of control. We don't know who is meeting whom. We don't know whether any favours are being exchanged. We don't know which outside interests are wielding unhealthy influence. This isn't a minor issue with minor consequences. Commercial interests - not to mention government contracts - worth hundreds of billions of pounds are potentially at stake".

While, as we say, not everyone in the lobbying world will welcome Cameron's comments (and some are probably already lobbying to reduce the impact of any new rules!), the head of public affairs at the PR Consultants Association, Mark Ramsdale, welcomed the Tory man's remarks, though added that new rules should put obligations on MPs and ministers as well as lobbyists, both while in office and once they have left parliament or Whitehall.

He told Creative Business: "This is something that is both timely and necessary. We support fully a transparent and open system. This does however require the system to work both ways. While we continue effectively to provide self-regulation for public affairs practitioners, Parliament must be prepared to do the same for its members. Those who have held office must remain accountable beyond their tenure. With individuals moving so quickly from government positions to roles outside Whitehall - whilst still maintaining a seat in Parliament - their use of insider knowledge and connections inevitably brings into disrepute a vital and legitimate component of the democratic process".