Lynton Crosby - the smoking gun.

I found this interesting article by Jamie Doward of The Observer on the NUJ web site, dated December 2012.

 

“Campaigners raise alarm over tobacco giants' lobbying against plain packaging

 

Anti-smoking campaigners have expressed alarm that "big tobacco" has been employing two of the world's most powerful lobbying companies in a bid to stymie the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes.

Crosby Textor, which has been hired by the Conservative party to provide "strategic direction" at the next election, has played a powerful behind-the-scenes role in mobilising opposition to the Australian government's plans for plain packaging, which became law on Saturday.

Tobacco giants fear that the landmark law, which they tried to thwart by funnelling millions of pounds into an array of front groups purportedly representing small shopkeepers, will be copied around the world. The UK government has concluded a consultation on the issue and will report next year. Many other countries are studying Australia's decision closely.

 

News that Lynton Crosby, described as the "master of the dark political arts" and "Australia's Karl Rove", is to become the Tories' election mastermind triggered concerns from campaigners. "It's very alarming that Mr Crosby now has the ear of the prime minister while the government is still trying to make its mind up whether to bring in such a law," said Deborah Arnott, head of Action on Smoking and Health (Ash).

 

While Crosby was federal director of the Liberals in Australia, the party accepted substantial donations from the tobacco lobby. Crosby Textor's co-founder, Mark Textor, has been an adviser to the tobacco industry in Australia, fighting plain packaging.

His clients have included Philip Morris, the owner of the Marlboro brand. His company, which has opened an office in London, Crosby Textor Fullbrook (CTF), has been on retainer for tobacco firms since the 1980s.

CTF has also represented British American Tobacco. Mark Fullbrook, CTF's co-founder, was also head of campaigning for the Tories.”

 

Crosby and Textor also masterminded Boris Johnson’s first campaign to win election as London Mayor. I wonder what clients they have with London interests?

Neil Harris

(a don’t stop till you drop production)

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