Peter Bingle
This article is part of the Lobbying Portal, a sunlight project from Spinwatch. |
Peter Bingle is a high-profile lobbyist, who was the Chairman and former MD of Bell Pottinger Public Affairs (BPPA) from 2001 until May 2012. Known as the man "who never knowingly underlunched" [1] Bingle has spoken out vociferously against the regulation of the lobbying industry and the Coalition goverments planned 'lobbyists register', arguing that "public affairs is an honourable profession" that "leads to better government".
He announced he would be leaving BPPA in May 2012 to "pursue new interests" including forming his own political consultancy called Peter Bingle Consulting. His move came as Bell Pottinger moved towards a buyout led by Chime chairman Lord Bell who told PRWeek: "Peter Bingle is going to pursue his own affairs. He’s decided to go off and do his own thing." [2]
Bingle commented that he was giving up "the best job in politics":
- I have had the most fantastic time over the last eleven years. BPPA has become a major force in the public affairs market and we have developed a reputation for being best in class as well as the best fun to work with. All good things must come to an end, however, and now is the right time for me to pursue what I have wanted to do for some time. I have therefore decided to give up the best job in politics. During my time at BPPA there is one person who has always supported me. Tim Bell has been a great boss and a wonderful friend.” [3]
Contents
Joining the APPC
In June 2012 PR Week reported that after years of fierce criticism, Bingle was set to join the APPC, particularly its obligation for members to register their client lists on a quarterly basis. Bingle declared his change of heart had come about because the APPC is now chaired by APCO vice-chair public affairs, Europe, Michael Burrell. [4]
Holds two accounts, the latter appears to be his new main account:
- @Parsifal2 and @PeterBingle
In the week after leaving BPPA and tweeting for new for "any clients out there who are dissatisfied with their public affairs agency please contact me at pbingle@live.co.uk", Bingle further tweeted:
- Day four of my new life and I have never been happier. I might even apply to be a contestant in the next series of The Apprentice ... [5]
Resources
- Tamasin Cave, Bell Pottinger exposes weakness of self-regulation, Alliance for Lobbying Transparency, 8 December 2011
Notes
- ↑ David Singleton, Profile: Never knowingly under-lunched - Peter Bingle - Chairman, Bell Pottinger Public Affairs, PR Week UK, 18 April 2008, accessed 17 May 2012
- ↑ Matt Cartmell, Peter Bingle leaves Bell Pottinger as group moves towards MBO prweek.com, Monday, 14 May 2012
- ↑ John Glenday, Peter Bingle departs Bell Pottinger Public Affairs, The Drum, 14 May 2012
- ↑ Peter Bingle set to join APPC after years of criticism, prweek.com, Thursday, 07 June 2012, accessed same day
- ↑ Peter Bingle, Twitter, accessed 18 May 2012