The Tories, Lynton Crosby and the Tobacco Companies – demand Cameron clean up politics

See if this story alarms you as much it does us:

– Last year the Government announced plans to make it illegal for cigarettes to be sold in branded packaging, after substantial evidence shows it will prevent cancer deaths;

– Months later the Prime Minister hires Lynton Crosby as his chief strategist, a man paid handsomely to lobby for firms including a major international tobacco company;

– Last week: The Government suddenly drops its standardised packaging plans – a move that Cancer charities say will cost lives.

The public has a right to know: why is David Cameron refusing to say whether Lynton Crosby was involved in discussions about cigarette packaging policy?

Labour is tabling amendments to the Lobbying Bill after the Government published proposals that will only apply to a tiny proportion of the lobbying industry.

Earlier this afternoon, Ed Miliband wrote to the Cabinet Secretary over Lynton Crosby.