Is this a watershed moment for public affairs? PRWeek UK’s latest podcast debates this question, following the increased scrutiny around ex-Labour politician Lord Peter Mandelson. Joining PRWeek’s Siobhan Holt on Beyond the Noise this week is Jon Gerlis, head of public relations and policy at the CIPR and Leon Cook, founder of Atticus Partners, who is an executive committee member on the PRCA’s public affairs board. 

Beyond the Noise looks at some of the biggest issues affecting communications and PR. Download the podcast via Apple, Spotify, or listen in the browser above or on your favourite platform.

Lobbying is back in the headlines following increased scrutiny relating to former Labour politician and ambassador to the US, Lord Mandelson, and his closeness to the late sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. 

The fallout has impacted Global Counsel, the advisory firm co-founded by the former MP, as well as the UK Government, with two high-profile resignations, including Downing Street comms chief Tim Allan.

As a result, questions have been raised about ethics and lobbying in public affairs. On this week’s podcast, Gerlis and Cook debate the recent revelations and discuss the impact on the industry’s reputation. 

They examine whether tighter lobbying regulations are the answer, and whether the latest scandal is a tipping point for public affairs.  

Finally, the pair chat about Allan’s departure from Number 10 and share their predictions for UK politics over the rest of 2026.

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