{
    "title": "PRCA statement following The Times report on concealed campaigning  ",
    "modified_at": "2026-05-27 11:00:02",
    "published_at": "2026-05-27 11:00:00",
    "url": "https://prca-uk.prezly.com/prca-statement-following-the-times-report-on-concealed-campaigning",
    "short_url": "http://prez.ly/V2Hd",
    "culture": "en_GB",
    "language": "EN",
    "slug": "prca-statement-following-the-times-report-on-concealed-campaigning",
    "body": "<p>The Times <a href=\"https://www.thetimes.com/business/economics/article/spreckley-funding-leasehold-campaign-xxwhh9zsg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reported yesterday</a> that a PR firm has launched a group called Justice for Property Rights, which was set up in &ldquo;direct opposition to&rdquo; the government&rsquo;s leasehold reforms. Spreckley, the firm involved, are facing calls to reveal who is behind its latest campaign against government leasehold reforms. </p><p>The practice, sometimes referred to as astroturfing, is not legitimate lobbying. It is a deliberate attempt to manufacture the appearance of public support while concealing who is really behind a campaign. The PRCA believe strongly that the public and our elected representatives have a right to know who is seeking to influence decisions. Any campaign that disguises its true sponsor as spontaneous grassroots movement undermines confidence in both public affairs and democratic decision-making. </p><p>Louise Whatham, Head of Public Affairs, said &ldquo;The PRCA believes that professional, transparent and ethical lobbying has an important role to play in a healthy democracy. \u200b </p><p>Astroturfing flies in the face of this and is a deliberate attempt to conceal from the public and our politicians who is behind a campaign. \u200b The PRCA condemns this behaviour, which would not be allowed under our gold standards <a href=\"https://www.prca.global/sites/default/files/PRCA%20Code%20for%20Professional%20Lobbying.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Code for Professional Lobbying</a> were they one of our members.&rdquo;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
    "header": {
        "large": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e7227880-6e1c-4418-b611-d3c459f3e460/-/format/auto/",
        "release": "https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/e7227880-6e1c-4418-b611-d3c459f3e460/-/format/auto/"
    },
    "author": {
        "first_name": "Louise",
        "last_name": "Whatham"
    },
    "format_version": 6
}