LONDON: A British parliamentary committee said on Wednesday it would launch an inquiry into the failure of a finance firm and how the finance ministry responded to lobbying efforts which were made on behalf of the firm by former prime minister David Cameron.

“The committee will focus on the regulatory lessons from the failure of Greensill Capital and the appropriateness of Treasury’s response to lobbying in relation to Greensill Capital,” the committee said in a statement.

Earlier Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he shared concerns over reports that David Cameron tried to get ministers to help out the now failed supply-chain finance firm.

Though Cameron’s strategy ultimately failed, Johnson has launched an independent review to look at allegations that lobbyists have an “open door” to his government.

Cameron’s role has raised questions about access to ministers by former colleagues.

The government said on Tuesday a former procurement chief was allowed to take a part-time role advising the company in 2015 — when Cameron was prime minister — while remaining a public official.

The reports have fuelled accusations from some lawmakers that Johnson’s government operates a so-called “chumocracy” where contracts are handed to friends.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2021